March has arrived and with it the end of the Winter Olympics 2026. I was fortunate enough to watch quite a few events, both individual and team competitions. I know the training, grueling schedules and dedication these athletes go through to qualify must be immense. They make this commitment to win a prestigious award. 

There are so many awards and titles people strive for. MVP, Miss America, World Champion, 1st place, Best in the League, Honor Society, Valedictorian, Employee of the Month, Top Scorer and Record Breaker just to name a few. Are you a recipient of any of these accolades? If so, congratulations.

I’ve thought receiving deserved recognition was all well and good. Then I recently read a passage in the gospel of Mark 10:35-45 that caused me to question my reasoning. It tells the story of 2 brothers, James and John, who are 2 of Jesus’ disciples. They ask him, “let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.” (verse 10:37 NIV). They are asking for recognition for all they have done, for all their sacrifices. Sitting on either side of Jesus in heaven sounds like a huge request! But they must have felt they earned it. Don’t we all want that from time to time? Recognition for a job well done, maybe even seen as someone more important than others. Our pride starts to take control. When the other 10 disciples heard about this they were indignant with James and John. (verse 10:41 NIV). Jesus replies, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.” (verse 10:43 NIV).

To be a “slave of all” takes humility. How hard it is sometimes to be humble. I think humility can be interpreted as “being a doormat” and no one wants that. So what is the difference? How do I stay humble but not feel like I’m being walked on by others? I think it is the decision of using my heart versus my head. Am I looking for God’s approval or mankind’s ? What matters most to me? It is probably much easier to be humble if we only care about God’s approval. And yet, living here on earth, it’s very hard not to desire man’s approval in hopes of receiving one of these awards. But I need to always remember the greatest reward comes from God.

“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.” 1 Corinthians 9:25 NIV

“Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God?” Galatians 1:10 NIV

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” James 4:10 NIV