Transcript:
Intro – Here is Bill Shade with today’s “Moment from God’s Word”.
Message
I remember some years ago, the first time I watched a competitive game among youngsters, and when the game ended every kid got a trophy – winners and losers. I learned they were called, Participation Trophies, you get one just for being there. Something within me whispered, there is something wrong here, we’re teaching a lesson we don’t want to teach.
Sure enough, one of the characteristics ascribed to the Millennial generation seems to be that they feel entitled to rewards whether they have earned them or not. That’s what happens when you grow up on Participation Trophies.
Well, God has a reward system as well. I’m not talking about salvation . . . salvation is a gift purchased by Christ and received by a simple act of faith. I’m talking about those rewards for faithful service which have been promised believers who serve Christ. Jesus told numerous parables about the time, when faithful service will be rewarded and unfaithfulness judged.
The Apostle Paul made this truth one of the motivating factors of his life. He wrote, You know that many runners enter a race, and only one of them wins the prize. So run to win! (1 Corinthians 9:24 CEV).
No – Participation Trophies have no place in this race. Serving God faithfully, running the race lawfully, and staying the course to the end, will bring the crown of glory – and falling short of that there are no rewards. Just think of that.
Closing – This is Kile Smith. You have been listening to Bible Teacher and author, Dr. Bill Shade, Director of Advanced Studies for Source of Light Ministries International. Our college-recognized, three-year, Bible Institute curriculum is now available online. We invite you to visit us on the Web at advancedbiblicalstudies.net – that’s advancedbiblicalstudies.net and begin a systematic study of God’s Word today.