Achievement Worth Applauding In recent years I’ve noticed something I would term nothing short of a crisis in America. No, it’s not teens ‘huffing’ aerosol cans or the blatantly sexualized content of nearly every showing at the local movie theater, crises though they be. I’m speaking of the cultural paranoia increasingly lacing most American institutions which fear nothing more than failing to positively affirm others. The greatest danger, we’re led to believe today, is that so-and-so will grow up not having been adequately applauded for—for what? For existing. Sound absurd? It is. Let me give you an example. Today on my drive to work I was informed by a reputable news agency that a new world record has been set. With the Olympics currently on while writing this article, I expected to hear some remarkable statistics about an athlete’s performance in track and field, swimming or weight-lifting. Instead I was told that in Michigan two teenage boys have set a new world record for most uninterrupted hours of television watched—52 to be exact. While comfortably camped out in their local International House of Pancakes, these two glued their eyes to the restaurant television set for more than two solid days while others, we’re told, came to watch them. The reaction of their parents? “We’re proud of them for being good in something!” My question is this: “Who has been most duped?” The parents for seriously believing that zoning out in front of a TV screen for two days, requiring the ability of a Brazilian three-toed sloth, is something for which to be proud? The teenage guys for believing that devoting such time to modern television is productive in any manner? Or perhaps those most duped are the newscasters who actually find two days in front of an IHOP television deserving of national attention. My incredulity is partly explained in the present context of the Olympic Games in Athens. Last night I sat on the edge of my seat with the watching world as sixteen year old gymnast Carly Patterson came back after a shaky start on the vault with near flawless performances on the balance beam and floor to take the gold medal in the women’s all-around, the achievement all young gymnasts dream of. Perhaps she was inspired by the unbelievable recovery by Wisconsin’s Paul Hamm the night before who, after falling to twelfth place in the standings through a disastrous vault exercise, regained ground and took the gold by an amazing routine on the high bar. For more than a decade Carly and Paul have labored day and night, training their bodies to do things which look simply impossible to most of us. To achieve what they have they’ve had to sacrifice many things along the way and navigate the waters of life with a single-minded focus foreign to most people. The great Olympians of the Games have worked hard and are earning the praise they deserve. Sadly, as our two young friends in IHOP illustrate, it is not just hard workers like the Olympic greats that our society feels obligated to congratulate. Achievement becomes cheapened when simply existing draws great applause. At its root lies the sin of pride—pride that demands recognition when no recognition is due. In a world where we feel compelled to level the playing field and make everyone into heroes, the achievement of those who truly deserve it loses its value. In our study of the book of Philippians we’re going to discover how valuable heroes are in God’s economy. “But you know Timothy’s proven worth (2:22)...So receive [Epaphroditis] in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men (2:29)...Brothers, join in imitating me and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us (3:17).” Though merit-free grace is promised to every Christian, the Bible holds out a special promise of eternal reward to those who expertly build their lives and the lives of others on the foundation of Christ (I Corinthians 3:10). Both in I Corinthians 15 and 2 Corinthians 11 Paul boasts of having worked harder than others in ministry—not to exalt himself but to spur them on to labor in like manner. Just listen to his words to the Colossians, “Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all His energy that He powerfully works within me (Colossians 1:28-29).” Now that’s the sound of sweat, and that’s something worth working for! Take a good look at your own life today. Are you just coasting on the grace of God, or is Jesus’ grace compelling you on to attempt great things for Him? Are you giving yourself to accomplish a goal that will bring you glory in eternity? Paul wanted that more than anything and he got it. Let’s make sure we reserve the rewards in our society for those who truly deserve them. Even more, let’s outdo those laboring merely for laurel wreathes and gold medals with our own efforts for a glory that will never fade.
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