A harsh reality

Here's a sermon illustration I used a few weeks ago. Hopefully it will get you thinking:

Illustration: Thoughts

- When I was a kid my family used to have this thing called the “Special Plate.” The point of the plate was that any time it was a special day for us like a birthday, or report card day, we celebrated that person’s accomplishment. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with this plate or for praising accomplishments… however it began to stir up a desire for recognition in my heart.

- I used to strive for recognition. In my high school, we had this award called the Christian Character award. It was all about praising a student who exemplified the best Christian character. I won that award 3 out of 4 years and tied the year I didn’t win it outright. I was so focused on being recognized and praised for my good character.

- I was also praised in high school for being a good athlete. I was co-captain of the basketball team as well as runner-up for homecoming king. I had a huge head. It was all about me and what I’ve done.

- In college we had this thing called the student service award in which we would recognize people for acts of service. I used to try and think of things I could do … just so I could be recognized. Isn’t that ridiculous? I’m sad to admit that.

- The point is, our culture always tells us that it’s about us. We praise our accomplishments and practically worship celebrities and athletes. One of the toughest things to come to grips with in our spiritual life is that: in and of ourselves, we aren’t praise worthy. We have nothing to brag about. We don’t bring anything to the table (if you don’t believe me, read Romans 3… that should be humbling enough). Why do you think so many people think that they are a good person? Why do you think that so many people believe they’re going to heaven? Because our culture, and our world, tells us that we are. We live in a culture that is all about what YOU do and what YOU’VE accomplished, yet Christianity is all about what GOD does and what GOD accomplished. It’s time for a reality check!