Choose the Crown, Not the Trophy

We live in a world that loves to hand out medals and awards - in school, academia, sport, entertainment … you name it. So each year, like clockwork, Hollywood rolls out the red carpet for the Academy Awards; the Oscars, as they're known — a night drenched in glitz and glamour. Flashing cameras, glittering gowns, tailored tuxedos, and million-dollar smiles line the stage where the world's biggest stars gather. Those gold statuettes gleam under dazzling lights as limousines queue outside and champagne flows inside. It's the entertainment industry's crown jewel — a spectacle of elegance, luxury, and prestige that captures the imagination of millions watching on across the globe. Yet in a recent interview, Hollywood A-Lister and dual Academy Award winner Denzel Washington said, "Man gives the award. God gives the reward. On my last day, the Oscars won't do me any good." Hebrews 11:24-26 Moses grew up and became a man. He refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter. He chose not to enjoy the pleasures of sin that last such a short time. Instead, he chose to suffer with God's people. He did this because he had faith. He thought it was better to suffer for the Messiah than to have all the treasures of Egypt. He was waiting for the reward that God would give him. We can be so busy chasing the world's accolades and awards that we lose sight of the crown of life that comes to the one who suffers for Christ, who endures to the end. Aim for the crown, not the trophy, because while the trophy lasts for a time, in Christ, the crown of life is yours for eternity. That's God's Word. Fresh … for you … today.