Getting Crowns

I want the crown that will last forever. In fact, I found four of them in the Bible.

Crown of Life

James 1:12 says God has promised “the crown of life” to those who love Him. It's mentioned in the midst of discussion about persevering under trial. Hanging in there when things get tough.

And things will get tough. After 3 decades of practically following the Lord Jesus Christ, things still get tough. Satan never gives up. He wants me to quit. He wants to be able to use my life as an example. He wants to be able to say:

“See what a joke this guy is.
It was all a lie.
He finally gave up trying.
Now you can see him for what he really is.
A loser.
A failure.
Defeated.
Beat.
Whipped.
He quit.”

Persevering is reinforced in Revelation 2:10, “be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.”

There's lots of different ways to say it:

Walking with God every single day until I die.
Laboring for a lifetime in the harvest field of souls.
Making disciples every where and always.
Continuing in the Word of God daily.
Praying without ceasing
Rejoicing evermore.
Giving thanks for everything.

I want the crown of life described in James and Revelation.

I am motivated to persevere through the difficulties in this life to gain it.

Crown of Joy

Twice Paul refers to a crown of joy.

Once in Philippians 4:1. He calls the Philippians “. . ., my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, . . .”

And again in 1 Thessalonians 2:17-20. He refers to the Thessalonians as “. . . our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy.”

The people I help are my crown of joy.

I might call it mentoring,
or discipling,
or teaching,
or helping to grow,
or meeting with someone one-to-one.

My crown of joy is the men and women I have led to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The people I have encouraged, comforted and urged as they matured. The ones I have led as we labored together in the harvest field of souls.

I want the crown of joy Paul talks about in Philippians and Thessalonians.

I am motivated to help people grow in their personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ to gain it.

Crown of Glory

Chapter 2 of Hebrews says Jesus was “crowned with glory and honor.” Twice, once in verse 7 and, then, in verse 9.

Being “crowned with glory and honor” corresponds with “putting everything under him, God left nothing that is not subject to him.” (Hebrews 2:8)

The crown of glory is a crown of leadership.

Peter says the Chief Shepherd will give me the crown of glory if I am a shepherd “of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers – not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” (1 Peter 5:1-3)

If I am willing to do that, then “when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.” (1 Peter 5:4)

I don't care who you are, you have a responsibility to lead.
To lead a friend to Jesus Christ.
To lead a family.
To lead a Bible Study.
To lead a conversation.
To lead a discussion group.
To lead your own life well.

Lead, and do it well.

I want the crown of glory described in Peter's book.

I am motivated to lead in this life to gain it.

Crown of Righteousness

The crown of righteousness is mentioned in 2 Timothy 4:6-8.

Paul tells Timothy, “Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:8)

I'm amazed at how many people are NOT eager for the Lord Jesus Christ to come again.

They thing they need to:
earn more money
make more love
gain more success
clean up their act
get married
have kids
(fill in your reason here) _________________

They're not ready to meet Jesus Christ face-to-face!

I used to be that way. I remember wanting to get married before Jesus came back or to enjoy the ocean or hike Pikes Peak.

Since then, I realize nothing can compare in enjoyment or pleasure to being in the physical presence of God!

I'm ready!

Let's do it!

I want the crown of righteousness.

I am motivated to pray for Jesus Christ to return. To thank Him that He is coming back. To tell Him I am looking forward to that day in order to gain the crown.

Why Gain Crowns?

What's the point of gaining spiritual crowns?

For me, the motivation can be found in Revelation, chapter 4.

Imagine this:

The elders surround the throne in heaven. (Revelation 4:4)

The four living creatures surround the throne in heaven. Day and night they never stop saying:

“The four living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever.” (Revelation 4:9)

The 24 elders fall down. They lay their crowns before the throne. (Revelation 4:10)

I think that's what I will get to do with my crowns of life, joy, glory, and righteousness.

I will get to lay them down before the throne.

Next to having my name written in the Book of Life, what more could be better then laying my crowns down at the throne of heaven in appreciation for all He has done for me?

Conclusions

I earn the crown of life by loving and obeying God for a lifetime.

I earn the crown of joy by helping others grow and mature in their relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

I earn the crown of glory by leading others that God has given me responsibility for.

I earn the crown of righteousness by longing for Jesus to appear again when He returns to the earth.

The crowns are available to us.

Will you get them?

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Posted on May 17, 2009