A View from a Pew: Man Gives Awards, God Gives Rewards

A View From A Pew Man Gives awards God Gives Rewards

0:00

/169.807528

1×

There’s nothing wrong with being recognized. A plaque on the wall, a trophy on the shelf, or a title before your name — those things can be nice. They make you smile. They let you know somebody noticed your effort. But here’s the truth: man gives awards, God gives rewards. And understanding the difference between the two will change the way you live your life.

An award is temporary. It’s given based on human judgment — sometimes fair, sometimes biased, sometimes just a matter of being in the right place at the right time. It can fade, tarnish, get lost in a move, or sit forgotten in a closet. Even the applause that comes with it is fleeting; people move on, and the world’s attention shifts quickly.

But a reward from God? That’s eternal. It’s not decided by a committee, a vote, or a nomination. It’s given by the One who sees everything — the public moments and the private sacrifices. He sees the tears you cried when no one was there to comfort you. He knows about the times you gave your last dollar to help someone else. He remembers the quiet prayers you whispered for others when they had no idea you were lifting them up. God’s rewards are not for show — they’re for the soul.

So don’t wrap your legacy around an award or trophy. They will fade, break, or end up forgotten. Dr. James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family, once shared a story from his younger days. He was a talented tennis player whose goal was to be the very best. And he was — winning the championship and earning a trophy that was proudly displayed at his school for all to see. Fifteen years later, that same trophy was mailed back to him. Someone at the school had been cleaning out old storage and found it… in the trash. The very thing he once worked so hard for had been tossed aside like it never mattered.

The lesson James learned — and the one worth remembering — is that the only trophies that truly matter are the ones that never die, the ones that last forever. They’re not made of wood or metal, but of love, service, and integrity. They’re built in the lives you touch, the people you encourage, and the difference you make for the Kingdom of God.

Legacy is eternal. Pursue that. Not a shiny reminder that will collect dust and eventually be thrown away. Pursue character, love, values, and a healthy way of living. Because when the spotlight fades and the applause dies down, you’ll discover that the greatest honor isn’t having your name on a plaque — it’s hearing your Savior say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Awards are nice. But God’s rewards? They’re forever.