Every generation thinks the one before lost touch and didn’t understand the plights our generation faces. And the next generation is soft and has it easier than we do. Neither thought is completely accurate. Many things are easier for each generation, but many things are harder or more complicated. One is not better than the other, but they are definitely different.
One of my generation’s favorite flaws of the generation after ours is the concept that everyone gets a trophy. We love to point out how that makes them soft and provides an irrational sense of entitlement. (Which is pretty ironic, because we are typically the one’s that organized the leagues for our kids to earn the participation trophies.) The concept is simple and probably has noble intentions; in sporting events or competitions, everyone who participates gets recognition for their efforts. The winner and probably second place gets a reward that is noticeably different than the participation reward, but everyone gets something. For a society that is forged by competition and being better than those around us, participation trophies seem counterproductive. But are they, really? Isn’t there a good reason to include everyone? Does it hurt the value of the ‘winners’ to include the losers in the celebration? Each participant still knows the outcome.
Let’s take this discussion away from the youth sports field for a moment. What if Jesus only died to save those who win at life on earth? What if you had to earn a certain income, serve a certain number of hours, or live a certain number of years sin free to earn salvation? Certainly, none of us want that. Certainly in this case, we are completely fine with the concept of everyone getting a trophy. And if you look at the person in the cubicle next to you and want them to NOT have access to salvation, you should probably check the state of your heart. And maybe seek counseling.
But much like in our spiritual life, there is a dark side of the participation trophy. When individuals rely solely on the freebie and minimize their effort because they know they are entitled to a trophy, it defaces the entire concept and belittles the effort of the rest of the participants. If little Johnny, ignores his team’s mission and does his own thing, playing in the dirt with no desire to expend any effort in the goal of the competition, because he knows that trophy will be just as sweet as the trophy he would get for trying- his sense of entitlement gives the entire organization a black-eye. God has more grace than we have sin. Salvation is a gift from God that you cannot lose or earn. But acting entitled to it with absolute disregard to God’s word and commands will certainly not earn you any favor from your Heavenly Father.
In this life, we should appreciate our participation trophies. But we should always strive to do better, to be better than just participants. Let’s contribute to the game, to the sport, to the life. Be good teammates, help each other achieve more than just participation trophies. Because, yes, everyone gets a trophy – and Jesus’ sacrifice to provide it was the greatest ever. But how many of us are going through the religious motions knowing that we will receive the participation trophy? It seems a bit hypocritical to take this position with something as important as your faith and then condemn an entire generation for their worldly entitlement. Christianity doesn’t stop at salvation -that is where it starts. Loving God and loving others brings real victory. Helping each other win over sin with love and compassion – that makes the victory even sweeter.
And if you are still concerned about the sense of entitlement that thrives in the generation after yours- remember three things:
1- your parents’ generation thought the same thing about your generation
2- your generation probably created the concept of participation trophies
3- what you see as a sense of entitlement might just lead to a change in our world that will be a far more inclusive, fair and equitable treatment of other humans than we have ever experienced as a society
And if it still bothers you – mentor someone younger than you. Be an example, make a difference. You might just learn as much as you teach.
Dadvotionals 