Trophy (n.)
- a cup or other decorative object awarded as a prize for a victory or success.
- (in ancient Greece or Rome) the weapons and other spoils of a defeated army set up as a memorial of victory.
There are two types of sports families. One type that carries a strong disdain for “participation trophies” and one that sees the beauty in congratulating everyone for best effort.
If you are within a sports family, know that I have appreciation for both ends of the spectrum! I know that we can all agree that a trophy is something special. It is significant. A symbol of something that has been accomplished.
I recently heard pastor Steven Lawson addressing Paul’s list of “trophies of grace” in Romans 16. In the last chapter of Romans, Paul warmly greets a diverse population of people in the Roman church who were men, women, free people, slaves, Gentiles, and Jews alike.
The common connection however was not their socio-economic position, race, gender, or anything of the like. Their connection is that “there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). Christ is the great equalizer. By His stripes, all of us become co-heirs with Him (Romans 8:17)!
Co-heirs who are trophies of His grace. Each believer exemplifies and represents victory achieved one morning, many years ago when Christ rose from the grave victorious. The victory is not ours to claim, nonetheless, it is ours to receive by faith. An abundant gift of grace indeed (Ephesians 2:8-10).
How can we deny such a prize? It has the best of both sides of the spectrum. It was achieved through a Holy effort and everyone gets to participate. Its a win-win!
God bless!