The Bible commands us to seek rewards.
Dare 2 Share - I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified. (I Corinthians 9:27)
This week, thousands have gathered in Salt Lake City to watch great athletes from all over the world compete for the gold. Years of hard work, dedication, and desire are put to the ultimate test in the Winter Olympics.
Imagine if you saw an interview with an competitor who said: “Y’ know, I don’t really care about getting any medals, I’m just glad to be here.” Personally, I wouldn’t want that individual representing my nation. I want Team U.S.A not only to be the best of the best, but also singularly focused on getting the rewards. Sure, the medals are hung around the neck of one person, but the whole world sees that nation being honored.
The Apostle Paul was familiar with the Olympic games, and I think he must have known some Christians who had this attitude: “Lord, I don’t care about getting any kind of reward, I’m just glad to be saved…”
At first this sounds like the purest motive possible, but the more you examine this attitude, the less Biblical it becomes. Check out what Paul said:
Remember that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize. You also must run in such a way that you will win. All athletes practice strict self-control. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. (I Corinthians 9:24-25)
Notice that he did not downplay competition, nor encourage us to take our minds off rewards now that we are believers. In fact, he is saying just the opposite- run to win!
So obviously it is not wrong since the Bible commands us to seek rewards. The thing to remember is that even though we as individuals receive the reward, it is God who receives the glory. That’s why seeking “heavenly medals” is not selfish, because our motivation is God’s glory.
If we never think about rewards, or (even worse) if we live the lie that all believers will receive the same reward in heaven, we will lack motivation God intended us to have.
So let the competition in Utah remind you of our responsibility as believers to completely ‘go for it’ in the Christian life. The spiritual landscape of this nation would be radically different if we all focused on ‘running the race’ with the same diligence and motivation as an Olympic athlete.
One day we all will stand at the “Olympic platform” of heaven, where Jesus Himself will reward us for how well we competed for the prize. Most of us won’t even deserve to have a Tupperware reward hung around our neck. Just remember that as long as you are breathing, it’s never too late to ‘get in the game’.
Questions:
1) Are you motivated by rewards? Why or why not?
2) Are you living the Christian life with the diligence of an Olympic athlete?
3) What is one way you can improve your ‘training’?
