The Academy Awards: Who Really Won?

Watching the Oscars is a yearly tradition in my house—something we look forward to as the cold winter months roll through. Leif and I have high ambitions to watch all of the Best Picture nominees, but usually only get to watch a handful. (Which was your favorite this year?)

As I watched the Academy Awards last night, I did my fair share of oohing and ahhing at the breathtaking gowns and dapper suits, cheering on or in dismay of the winners announced.

And I couldn’t help but think about the runners up.

It’s amazing to think of the people who have never won an Oscar.

Leonardo DiCaprio. Julianne Moore. Tom Cruise. Sigourney Weaver. Samuel L. Jackson.

Watching the Academy Awards.

The winners at last night’s award show have honed their acting craft. But when it comes to our faith, we need to make sure we stay as far away from the theater as possible. 

Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don’t make a performance out of it. It might be good theater, but the God who made you won’t be applauding.

When I read these words, I am reminded of the importance of sincere faith. But Jesus doesn’t stop there:

Just do it—quietly and unobtrusively. That is the way your God, who conceived you in love, working behind the scenes, helps you out.

We should never expect an Oscar, People’s Choice award, or Golden Globe for our work for God. We win when we serve our audience of One. We are the people who rejoice in knowing that it’s His opinion that matters above all else.