Do you want a trophy or do you want the truth?
Don’t you just love it when you hear a conversation that doesn’t involve you, but it stays with you for a long time? There were three eleven(ish) year old boys who were having swimming races across the pool. One of the boys would pretty much throw a fit every time because he never won.
Before their last race, the boys were next to us in the water. They were getting ready to start when one of them turned towards the one who had been so upset and said, “Listen, we all lose sometimes. I lose sometimes, and it’s ok! Just don’t be mad. THIS time lets say that everyone wins, ok?”
When they reached the other side, I heard the boy who actually won say, “We’re ALL winners!” – but out of another, “Yes, we are! But Jake still got there first.”
We are living in a world that wants to give everyone a trophy so no one feels left out. I can understand that when the awards are given to 2, 3, or maybe 4-year-old children. It’s not suppose to be about winning or being the best at that age, but more about learning to follow rules, have fun!, exercise, work as a team, and just learn the game. But for kids who are much older, I think it’s misleading. It’s confusing for everyone.
Listen, I am the worst when it comes to worrying that someone (especially a child) is going to feel left out or develop low self-esteem. I just hope that the direction we are heading doesn’t affect how people see their sin, their faith, and eternity – because God’s Word never changes.
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven will enter.” Matthew 7:21
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ Matthew 25:23
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