DEFERRED COMPENSATION

DEFERRED COMPENSATION

Some years ago, I read an extraordinary narrative about a poverty-stricken farmer in Scotland with the surname Fleming.  One day, while struggling to make a living for his family, he heard an apprehensive cry for help coming from a nearby swamp.  Fleming immediately dropped his tools and sped toward that Scottish bog.  He discovered a terrified young boy sinking rapidly in quicksand, just about to go under.  With the help of the Lord, Fleming managed to set the lad free.

The next morning, a resplendent carriage pulled up in front of Fleming’s poor home.  A genteel nobleman exited the carriage and introduced himself as the father of the young boy whose life Fleming had saved.  The rich man offered a generous reward.  Fleming declined saying “I cannot accept payment for what I have done.”

At that moment, the farmer’s son emerged from the house to see what was happening.  “Is that your son?” the nobleman asked.  “Why yes!” Fleming replied proudly.  The nobleman looked the young lad up-and-down for a moment and said “I have a great idea!  You saved my son’s life.  Since you won’t take any money, I’ll make you a deal.  If you let your son come home with me, I’ll make sure he is well cared for, and he will receive a proper education.”

Although the Flemings were sad to see their son leaving home, they were hopeful about his future, so in time they agreed.  The wealthy man kept his promise, and years later Farmer Fleming’s son graduated from the Medical School of London and went on to become a renowned and knighted physician by the name of Sir Alexander Fleming.  This brilliant doctor discovered what was then the world’s most important antibiotic, penicillin.

Later on, incredibly enough, the nobleman’s son was stricken with pneumonia, and it was Sir Alexander Fleming’s penicillin that saved his life.  Even more astonishing is the family lineage of the elder nobleman, Randolph Churchill.  His beloved son, whose life had been saved twice by the Fleming family, grew up to become one of England’s most celebrated statesmen, Sir Winston Churchill!

Farmer Fleming had no clue about the historic seeds he planted on the day he saved that young boy’s life. Although he had refused any monetary reward, the benefits of his courageous act (saving the nobleman’s son) and his sacrificial act (freeing his son for higher education and opportunity) continue to resonate through time and eternity.

This phenomenal story raises three practical points for every believer to carefully consider: (1) Are YOU focused on getting whatever you can right now, or are you willing to freely invest and trust GOD for long-term dividends?  (2) Are YOU Kingdom-minded enough to invest all of yourself (time, talent and treasure) in the work of the Lord, or are you content to be who Christ described as a “hireling?” (John 10:12-13)  (3) What are your MOTIVES for service, erecting a personal empire or building God’s Kingdom?  

While the Lord has no issue with Christian workers receiving just compensation (Luke 10:17), we should never be motivated solely by money or material possessions.  We should be fundamentally and fully dedicated to building the Kingdom of God.  Consider this.  Just as Farmer Fleming gained unexpected and overflowing blessings for what he was willing to give (without any expectation of compensation), we will be rewarded generously for our contributions to the Kingdom, whether they are noticed or appreciated by others, or not.

Money is a necessary medium of exchange that remedies many natural needs, but we should never become greedy for it or become a lover of money more so than God or people.  The Apostle Paul wrote, “the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some have coveted after, they have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” (I Timothy 6:10)  The authoritative command of Jesus Christ yet challenges every believer: “Go into my vineyard…WHATSOEVER IS RIGHT I WILL GIVE [PAY] YOU.” (Matthew 20:4) 

Although our rewards can be temporal, they are primarily eternal.  Hence, believers should not expect to be materially compensated for every single thing we do for the sake of the Kingdom!  Think about it.  Believer, are you willing to work on a “DEFERRED COMPENSATION” basis, or do you want to receive ALL you possibly can within this short earthly lifetime?  MOTIVES DO COUNT to Almighty God – Who constantly “tests the mind and the heart.” (Jeremiah 11:20)

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!