The Academy Awards

I watched the Oscar Academy Awards on TV last night. I always watch it. I am not sure why. I guess its the same sort of fascination as those motorists who stop to see the gory details of a motor accident. At best, I spent some two hours in which I hardly thought of my grandchildren at all. It was a welcome relief. I find the pomp and splendour of the grand ceremony with the beautiful ladies and the dashing gentlemen and their contrived efforts to perform their crowning acts to show sincere love and gratitude to the world at large very entertaining. The accolades and praise of the fellow actors towards the nominees, and the well rehearsed performances and acceptance speeches are deserving of their own awards. The trend this year, as in the last, was to defend and campaign for the rights of homosexuals and lesbians. In both seasons, the movies as well as the actors campaigning for these deviants received nominations and awards.
On a more positive note, I did notice that everyone, man or woman, old or young was careful to thank his or her parents and to pay tribute to them. It was rather touching.
I wondered this morning how the recipients of the awards felt today when they woke up and saw their much coveted, much strived for golden statuette – the Oscar. Their dreams have just been realised. There it was, everything they had worked and played and paid so hard for. How awfully small it must seem! I can almost understand, then, the drive to begin the long struggle all over again to win the next award and the recognition it brings. I wonder how many people remember last year’s winner?

As Christians, we also strive to win. But our prize is an everlasting one that will bring eternal glory. And we are certain that we will win, because Jesus Christ has conquered all on our behalf.

“Do you not know that in a race al 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 fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” 1 Cor. 9:24-27