The 79th Annual Academy Awards recently honored its own members with Oscars for achievements in acting and in filmmaking. Hollywood gave the best actress award to Helen Mirren, the best actor award to Forest Whitaker, and the best picture to "The Departed."

While you may remember a few winners of the Oscar last year, most of the winners' names escape us rather quickly. For example, could you name the best actor and the best actress winners for each of the last five years? In fact, try to name the winners for the last five years in any of the following categories: Miss America; Heisman trophy; Pulitzer Prize; Super Bowl; Nobel Prize; World Series.

Well, how did you do? Unless you are some real trivia buff, you probably don't remember all those names. They were recognized as the best in their respective fields. But applause ends, trophies tarnish, crowns crumble, and ribbons wrinkle. What really lasts?

Try another list. See how well you do this time. Again, name five in each of the following categories: friends who helped you through a difficult time; teachers who encouraged your education; people who taught you something worthwhile; individuals who have made you feel appreciated and special; folks with whom you enjoy spending time; heroes whose examples have inspired you; other Christians who influenced you to become a Christian and to live faithfully.

How did you do this time? Who has made the most difference in your life? Folks who truly care and serve: family, friends, brothers and sisters in Christ. Not only do such mentors set a good example for us, but they also teach us to live for Jesus.

Jesus lived an exemplary life (1 Peter 2:21; Hebrews 4:15); he was actively involved in both doing and teaching (Acts 1:1). Paul could say, "Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ" (1 Corinthians 11:1, NKJV). In this life there are still worthy examples who truly care and encourage us to live the faithful Christian life. And those mentors are the ones who follow the Lord.

While the awards in this life perish, the crown of life will not (1 Corinthians 9:25; James 1:12). "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you" (1 Peter 1:3, 4).

To live FOR God HERE so we can live WITH God in the HEREAFTER is all that really matters and all that will really last - for all eternity.