It seems that the use of three levels of awards has become a common practice in the modern sports arena. The best known example is that of the Olympic Games. Bronze, silver, and gold medals are given to the winners in just about every competition. There is an award ceremony where the three winners mount their platforms and receive their medals while the national anthem of the gold winner is played. It is quite a dramatic moment. These three categories of first, second, and third place winners are found in most other competitions. For example, the three winners in a horse race are win, place and show.
It is interesting that we see a similar grading system in the Bible. In the parable of the sower, as found in Mark 4:3-20, Jesus tells the story of a farmer who goes forth to sow seed. The modern version would picture him rising early in the morning and going out to the barn, cranking up the old tractor, hooking up the spreader, dumping in the seed from big, heavy burlap bags, chugging out to the road, and then proceeding along the shoulder so as not to obstruct the early morning traffic. The shoulder is bumpy, so some of the seeds fall out on the road, some fall on the gravel, and some fall in the ditch among the weeds. None of these seeds reach maturity. Then the farmer reaches his field where the soil is rich and well watered. These seed grow and produce a good crop However, one part of the field produces only thirty-fold, another part produces sixty-fold, and another produces a hundredfold. Jesus proceeded to explain that the seeds represent the word of the gospel and that the different kinds of soil represent people. Those represented by the good soil accept the word and produce fruit, but they are not equally fruitful.
These three categories of fruitfulness are all rewarded, but they are rewarded differently. 1 Peter 1:7 indicates that some receive praise, some receive honor, and some receive glory. Also, in 1 Cor. 4:5 every faithful steward receives praise, in John 12:26 the dedicated servant receives honor, and in Rom. 8:17 those who suffer with Christ receive glory. Thus there seem to be three different categories of productivity in the Christian life, one rewarded with praise, one with honor, and one with glory. Would it be proper, then, to equate these three biblical awards with the bronze, silver, and gold of the Olympics? The three groups of fruit-bearers are rewarded according to their individual abilities and I am sure that all are satisfied with the decision of the Judge. None of us know how we shall be judged, but we should strive to reach our full potential and GO FOR THE GOLD.
