Christian award is a prize given to a nominated Christian as the best performer of the gospel ministration. The organizers of the award presentation celebrate the achievement and innovations of the awardees.

Can the award presenters play the role of Jehovah? This post will unveil the mind of God as regards Christian award. Though, it is widely acceptable in the Christendom, but, it is important you know the implication of giving an award, or receiving an award for the stewardship of the Gospel.

I read the news posted by Kirsten Anderson titled: “Christian artists skip, walk out of ‘satanic’ Grammy Awards show.” Natalie Grant, a Christian gospel singer announced via Twitter. “We left the Grammy early. I’ve many thoughts, most of which are probably better left inside my head.” Christian singer and songwriter, Mandisa won two Grammy for “Best Christian contemporary music album” and “Best contemporary Christian music song”. But, she was not in attendance.

“Both times I have gone to the Grammy I have witnessed performances I wish I could erase from my memory. And yes, I fast forwarded through several performances this year.” I knew that submerging myself into an environment that celebrates those things was risky for me at this time”, Mandisa explained in her Facebook post.

Neither artist specified exactly which performance offended them, but a likely contender was Perry’s performance of “Dark Horse”, which featured the ex-Christian singer performing what appeared to be witchcraft as she pole dance around an inverted broom, surrounded by flames and demons.

When I read the news above, I squeezed myself into the couch, and did a deep Bible study about this popular practice of Christian award.

The Origin of Christian Award

I cannot trace it to any passage in the Bible. But, the first church that started Christian award is the Catholic. I was shocked when I read about the Pope given an award to a dead member of the church (For instance; Mother Teresa, who died 1997 was honored as a saint in 2016).

Since mid-19^th century, the art professionals made the award presentation a famous ceremony. They were interested in promoting talented artists as an avenue of generating big cash. They entice young, talented Christians with awards such as; the song of the year, the songwriter of the year, the publisher of the year, most performed Christian rock, etc.

The organizers of Christian award are only interested in their gains, and they don’t bother about the spiritual implication.

Is Christians’ Reward on earth?

Your reward as a fervent Christian is in heaven, and not on earth. Jesus Christ has a great reward for His followers: “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” (John 14: 1 – 3)

No amount of award a man can give you, they are all perishables. Meanwhile, the Christian race is designed for imperishable awards in heaven.

First Corinthians chapter 9 verse 24 and 25 says: “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may get it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to get a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.”

God will not give you reward for your stewardship when on earth. He gives Christians their awards in heaven.

John chapter 12 verse 26 says: “If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.”

For instance, Jesus received a Great Award when He accomplished the sacrifice for the salvation of our souls. God made the name of Jesus to become Super Mighty.

Philippians chapter 2 verses 8 to 11 says: “And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore, God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

However, I know someone who loves to give awards to the Christians on earth. He tried it with Jesus too. That person is the Devil; he gives awards to enslave the people of God. The awardees are bound to worship their award presenters.

Matthew chapter 4 verses 8 to 10: “Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.’”

God would judge me according to my deeds! I watched the lifestyle of some Christians before, and after they were given an award. And, I noticed two things among them; pride and spiritual laziness. Hmm! Christian award celebration is a celebration of spiritual entanglement to hell.

The view of Jesus on Christian awards

Award is synonymous to honor. Let’s read some few verses that discouraged the practice of Christian award celebrations.

John chapter 5 verses 33 to 44, Jesus said: “You have sent to John, and he has borne witness to the truth…I do not receive honor from men…How can you believe, who receive honor from one another, and do not seek the honor that comes from the only God?

John chapter 8 verses 54: “Jesus answered, “If I honor Myself, My honor is nothing. It is My Father who honors Me, of whom you say that He is your God.””

It is sad that the roles of the stewards such as; Pastor, Bishop, Elder, etc. has turned to the award presentation in many churches. A lot of ministers tarnishing the image of Christianity are not God-sent.

But, their leaders awarded them the ministerial positions, because they are either rich, or good in their theological studies and doctrines.

Such awardees had introduced worldliness into the church, and a lot of their followers are spiritually lukewarm. WATCH OUT!

The Risk of Accepting Christian Award

Award presentation to Christians by men is ungodly. It is wrong for anyone to celebrate Christians’ stewardship, because they are not answerable to any man.

The Spirit of the Lord opened the eyes of Natalie Grant and Mandisa, and they boycotted the Grammy awards ceremony. Hmm! there is no relationship between the children of light and the children of darkness.

Accepting a Christian award on earth can lead to :

1. Pride

2. Spiritual laziness

3. Haughty eyes

4. Counterfeit lifestyle; participating in church and worldly events.

5. Hell; “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven…and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly” (Matthew 6:1-4)

6. Demonic possession; for instance, the witchcraft performed by Perry in 2014 at Los Angeles Grammy Awards show was not ordinary.

7. Unhealthy Competition; some Christian awardees got distracted from the original Call of spreading the gospel.

They were after the demand of their audience, and not to satisfy God’s intention.

For instance, many gospel musicians do not sing heart-touching songs again, because many people love to dance to “rocky noisy” music.

I implore you to reject Christian awards, and do not join such celebration. Your honor is in heaven, and the LORD Jehovah is the only Award Presenter for your stewardship in the Christendom. “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.” (Revelation 22:12)