Participation Trophy Christianity

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

I Corinthians 9:24-27

Participation trophies don't mean much. All they do is confirm that you were there. You took part. Whether you competed particularly well or particularly poorly doesn't matter. All you have to do to get one is show up. 

That's not how the ancient Isthmian games in Corinth worked. In Paul's day, only the Olympic Games were more prominent, so the athletes took these games very seriously. They knew that only one runner in the race received the crown which was a wreath made of foliage and placed on the victor's head. Even though this crown would wither and die, it was highly coveted. Athletes would go into strict training for the games. They would go to great lengths and employ a great amount of self-discipline to prepare their bodies not just to participate but to win.

How much better than this crown of foliage are the Christian's rewards in Heaven? This crown was perishable and of the earth in the truest sense. But our rewards last forever and are heavenly in every sense of the word. How much more then ought we to discipline ourselves and put forth maximum effort to live for God as best we can? The average Christian ought to be much more committed to living out their faith than the most dedicated Olympic athlete is to training.

Let me put it plainly. There are no participation trophies in Heaven! You aren't winning any heavenly crowns simply by showing up to church on Sunday (or even Wednesday). God isn't impressed when you give minimum effort or take part aimlessly. No. God looks on the heart, and He rewards you accordingly. So let me ask. What are you doing for Jesus? And are you doing it aimlessly or excellently?

Think about it. Your rewards depend upon it.