“The only thing you deserve is what you earn.”—Tom Brand
One statement I don’t like to hear is “I deserve….” Truth be told, we are deserving of nothing. We are not entitled. We earn what we get.
Respect? We need to be respectable.
Reward? Rewards are deserved. They are worked for.
Recognition? We are recognized for what we do.
Win or lose, we get what we earn. Trophies? This is cause for some debate. Do we award participation trophies? Technically, they are earned. The challenge is in encouraging more than “participation”. In addition, (and this is my opinion—right or wrong) there comes a time when such trophies cease to be awarded. To some extent, participation becomes the reward. At a certain point, getting to play the game, so to speak, is the reward. Herein, is where varsity letters (that are “earned”) differ from mere participation trophies.
Whether a trophy, medal, or other award is given is somewhat inconsequential. What matters most is the effort and the intrinsic “reward”. Nothing is deserved without being earned.
There is much discussion of “rights” in American politics and society. Human rights are a bit tricky. To what does one truly have rights to? The United States Constitution suggests that one has the right to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Does one deserve these? Maybe, but, perhaps “deserve” is not appropriate. Does one deserve life? Does one deserve liberty? Does one deserve happiness? Not likely. As rights, these are undeniable. These are legally attainable, but what has any of us done to deserve these?
Happiness is earned. Success is earned. Wealth is earned (if it is inherited, it is by no means deserved). Anything of value is earned. Even love is earned—this is why we have terms like “unconditional” to attach to love. We are liked or loved because we earn another’s affection.
With all of this, it does not mean we give to others what is not deserved. Grace, above all, is the foundation of the Christian faith. But grace, after all, is “undeserved favor”. One cannot earn it.
We must earn what we desire. Of this there can be no argument. Want to be successful? Work. Want wealth? Work harder. Want to be loved? Be lovable!
Be your best today; be better tomorrow—and you will get what you earn.
Carpe momento!