December 8

2 Timothy 2:6 (NIV84) — 6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.

My son told me of a comedian that he heard talk about the “occupy” people. He said that this was the first generation of people who received participation trophies in sports. That is interesting isn’t it? I don’t know if it necessarily connects, but it resonates with me. I have been a longtime critic of participation trophies. Can you imagine if the Olympics handed out participation trophies, or maybe the NFL? Can you see it now, after whoever wins the Superbowl, all the NFL teams come a get a trophy at midfield?

Sometimes I think this same mentality has crept into the body of Christ. Some think that coming to church and praying irregularly (though they truly believe in Christ), that they should have the same “blessings” that others have. It’s like people who say they don’t hear God. How long do you invest REGULARLY praying and listening to Him? How frequently do you meditate on His Word? How much time do you spend in His presence? Some want patience without being put in the pressure cooker, or abundant love for people without having the hard to love people around. Some want to be rich by just naming what they want. Geeezz…

We are a people of destiny, a people who don’t mind using a lot of energy for the purposes of God. We do not expect something for nothing, but we do expect that when we invest our time, energy and resources in the Kingdom, that we will get a return, whatever that return is. We are people who aren’t afraid to endure trials and suffering to be conformed into the image of Christ. We do not want a participation trophy, we run the race to WIN! We are not survivors, we are victors!