The Crown of Life

Ask anyone what they think would be the ultimate personal achievement and you will likely get a wide range of responses. To a singer it might be a Grammy Award. To a public figure it may be the Nobel Prize. To an athlete it may be an Olympic Gold medal or the opportunity to hoist a championship trophy. Most of us can only dream about the excitement of such a moment.

As God's men, we have an award ceremony awaiting us that makes standing on an Olympic platform, hearing our national anthem being played and being adorned with a gold medal seem like a non-event. James 1:12 says: Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. 2 Timothy 4:8 talks about believers receiving a crown of righteousness; translated from the Greek word stephanos meaning a victory crown. And what a victory it will be; unlike anything we can imagine.

We are rewarded with this glorious crown based not on our achievements, but rather our faithfulness. Our love for God. Our perseverance. Our fighting the good fight and remaining true to our calling. Our ability to stand firm when others around us cave in to sinful weakness. The Lord, the Righteous Judge, the ultimate authority over all of the Universe will be the one who rewards us.

As believers, we can sometimes forget the glory that awaits us as sinners who have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ. The disappointments, the grind, the trials of life can certainly dim our eternal perspective to the point where the last thing we want to do is press on. At these times, let us not forget the imperishable crown that awaits us--given by the Creator himself--to those who finish the race.