Living In A World That Champions Winners

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The world tells us to -

Make it count, leave a mark, build a name for yourself.
Dream your dreams, chase your heart, above all else
Make a name the world remembers.

Pride. It’s lurking around every corner. Our world teaches us to champion the winners, make a mark on this world and if possible win incredible sums of money! I have to admit that some of my guilty pleasures include shows like Kids Baking Championship, America’s Got Talent, American Ninja Warrior and World of Dance. The prize money can be mind-boggling ranging from $10,000 to $1,000,000. And, the money isn’t the only thing many reality shows boast. Winning a title or trophy are commended and almost glorified. Being promised a feature page in a magazine strokes the ego and is highly celebrated. Many contestants become mesmerized by the dream and a means in which to prove themselves worthy - a champion!

But all an empty world can sell is empty dreams

How easy it is to get caught up in the recognition and glorification of excellence to the point that we start to worship the feats of endurance as well as the actual taste or presentation of food. The shows seem harmless and many are very entertaining to watch. Witnessing individuals persevere to meet goals, grow in their knowledge or develop a new skill is satisfying and can actually boost our own drive to pursue personal dreams. That’s not all bad, right? But, the questions we must consider are these –
  • Are we buying into the world’s lies?
  • Are we seeking to make a name for ourselves.
  • Are we teaching our children that our purpose in life is found in titles, money and recognition?
  • Are we checking our own motives in life so that we don’t fall into a trap of self-seeking, boastful pride?

I got lost in the light but it was up to me
To make a name the world remembers
But Jesus is the only name to remember

Jesus. Is He the One in whom our life is worshiping? When we receive accolades for accomplishments, is He the One we are pointing others to? Are we gaining our sense of purpose in life through the acknowledgement of God’s work in our life? Knowing that without Him, we are nothing.

All the kingdoms built, all the trophies won
Will crumble into dust when it’s said and done
‘Cause all that really matters
Did I live the truth to the ones I love?
Was my life the proof that there is only One
Whose name will last forever?

What is my life legacy? Is it about me? Or does my life point others to Jesus?

And I don’t want to leave a legacy
I don’t care if they remember me
Only Jesus
And I’ve only got one life to live
I’ll let every second point to Him
Only Jesus

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*The words above in italics are not mine. They are the lyrics from Casting Crown’s song, ‘Only Jesus.’ If you’ve got a few minutes, I encourage you to cut/paste this link and embrace the words of this song in a personal time of reflection and worship.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAtx1y58jS0

Let’s make it a point to champion the name of Jesus. It’s the best legacy we can give the world and all those we love.

“Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11



 yokemates.blogspot.com

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