Embrace The Challenge

 

       When I was young, I dreamed of being in the Miss America Pageant.  I embraced the challenges it offered and thought it would be wonderful to have everyone cheering for me.  A dream was all it ever was, however.  We were poor and never would have gotten the necessary sponsorship money and all that is needed for participation.  But the glory of it all…..and the prizes!  That kept me excited from year to year, as we watched it on TV, even knowing I would never personally participate.

As I reflected on my childhood dream, I noted the requirements-- (and they were likely different from state to state).  There were five areas of competition, including a private interview (worth 25% of your score), talent (35% of your total score), evening wear (20%) and then on-stage questions (5%).  Another area considered in your score is lifestyle and fitness- including the swimsuit area (15% of your total score).  There are forms to fill out, questions to answer and even an essay defining your passion, which is used as your “contestant platform,” as well as, other specific criteria.

It's interesting to note the parallel of competing in a 'beauty contest' to that of being a Believer; and more important, the big difference!  Just as I wanted people to cheer for me, God wants us to cheer for him!  He wants us to give all we’ve got, just as those young girls prepare to compete against each other – only we do it for Him and not for ourselves---the adrenaline, fame, notoriety or even the prizes-- which is the most important difference!

To be a Believer, there are no fees for the challenges that face us; or need for asking for sponsorship; special talent requirements; no prerequisite for funds to be able to pay for the evening gowns, make up, or training for our “talent”; and no requirement for particular physical fitness, or beauty. And we don't compete against our peers.  But we do need to prepare for the daily fight with the powers of the air--Satan and his minions.  We need to be in training, as we study the Bible and pray for the ability to follow God’s guidance so we win against Satan, our biggest adversary!  

And the prize….!?  It’s far greater than a scholarship and the material things that come from winning a beauty pageant. And the crown awarded for winning is nothing compared to our reward in eternity with Him.  It’s seeing God face to face when he welcomes us into heaven.

When the next beauty pageant comes around--and they are less and less these days, I would still love to sit and enjoy the gala proceeding.  It’s exciting and exhilarating.  But I must remember with my whole heart, that competing for a temporary crown in a beauty pageant pales next to fighting for Christ’s glory.  This should be the greatest desire of our lives, for which any of us can compete.  Let's embrace the challenge. 

Photo credit: https://depositphotos.com/357629920/stock-photo-crown-contest-america-style-crystals.html 

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