Getting a reward just because

I really struggle with the concept of giving out trophies to the children just because.  I understand that the parents do not want to hurt the kids feelings, but is it really appropriate to reward a person just for showing up?

I remember when I was growing up, we would get trophies for best pitcher, best hitter, best field, most improved, etc., but it was never a trophy just because I played. I never got a trophy and as far as I can tell, I am okay.  Yes there are times when I am a bit off my rocker, but I do not think it was from not getting a trophy when I played sports from the age of 5 and up.

I really like the show Chopper Junior, not because I enjoy the show, but for the idea that just because you showed up does not mean you should automatically get the cash or jacket reward.  You have to perform and be judged and if you win, then you get the prize.  Not I get the prize for being here, and if I perform so what.

Rewards can come at a great sacrifice at times.  In sports, that may be spending a lot of time learning to pitch or hit for example to be on the starting roster.  In school it may be spending a lot of time studying to get into the college of your dreams.  At work, it may be doing something that you absolutely hate or starting at the very bottom to get to the position that you ultimately want.

God has prepared the ultimate reward for us and it is eternal life with Him in Heaven, but you do not get that reward for just being born.  Christ paid the ultimate sacrifice for your reward and You have to be saved through Jesus Christ to get that reward.

Ephesians 2 New International Version (NIV)

Made Alive in Christ

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

If you are not saved, you do not get the ultimate reward and we are teaching our children the wrong message by giving them rewards just because.

I pray that you are saved, but if your are not, it is never to late.  I also pray that you wake up and realize that you are not helping your children emotionally or spiritually by instilling in them the idea that you should be rewarded just because.

Updated: May 8, 2016 — 1:43 am