Wanda Bam

“Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal to God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.  Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given Him a name which is above every name.”  Philippians 2:6-9

It is that time of the year again. It is the time of expensive designer outfits, the thick red carpet has been rolled out, the stage has been set, the lighting and the sound has been tested, dancers have been prepared and the programme has been rehearsed to the second. The cameras flash. It is the Oscars 2018. So many people and so many opinions about what was, is and will be.

There has never been an Oscar awards evening that has not been characterized by some bizarre occurrence by someone, often controversial in nature. One such occurrence happened in 1960, when Elizabeth Taylor received the award for Best Actress for the film “Butterfield 8”. On receiving her award, she said that she had never seen the film and that she had no desire to do so either. She described the film as an “obscenity” and that her aim was merely to fulfil contractual obligations with the producer MGM.

It is a sad day when one arrives at a point in one’s career when what has been achieved has become mundane, commonplace and taken for granted, that there is no longer motivation for achievement, growth or greater aspirations. A point where work is merely “a must” and achievement “a given”. There is no need for God’s intervention or a dependence on His blessings and rewards. A time limit is placed on the millions to be earned and the number of degrees determined to be obtained. Retirement has been sealed with policies and investments and the last will and testament has been safely locked away in the safe. So, what now?

When we live with an expectation of the future that reaches beyond physical death, the opportunities to honour God, to add value and purpose to being here, become an inspiring source of motivation. It is the place where it is no longer about us or our awards and achievements, but about God and His people. It is when an Oscar becomes a soul that has been won for the Kingdom. To God be the Highest Award!

Prayer: Lord, teach me to live in a way that my focus on life is less about me and more about You. Amen.