Crown…

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize! Everyone who competes in athletic competitions will exercise strict self-discipline. They do it to obtain a crown that will perish, but we do it to receive a crown that will last forever. ~ 1 Corinthians 9:24-25

A crown is the reward for victory! It is the mark of honor! A gold or ornate crown is often worn by royalty as a symbol of their sovereignty and authority. A crown represents the highest position … the zenith of accomplishment! And yet, all the crowns that might be achieved in this world are temporal.  Like the laurel wreaths awarded to the winners of the Olympic Games of old, they will wither and perish. Their accolades will soon fade and be remembered no more….

I love the metaphor that Paul used here to compare the marathon of faith with the athletic competitions of the ancient world.  He observes the determination of the competitors … their strict training and self-discipline to master their physical conditions. All of the energy and preparation is focused on one goal: winning the race. His analogy is worth pondering because the same principles of winning an earthly reward can be applied to the self-denial required to pick up our crosses daily and to follow Jesus for the long run. (Cf. Luke 9:23)  

Our God is a most gracious God; and He adorns us with various crowns as we walk with Him during our journey of faith. Human beings were made a little lower than the angels; and yet, God crowns us with glory and honor … to exercise dominion over the earth. (Cf. Psalm 8:5-6) The humble He rewards with a crown of victory. (Psalm 149:4) Those who attain wisdom, He presents with the crown of knowledge. (Proverbs 4:9) Those who practice righteousness, He crowns with blessings. (Proverbs 10:6) Indeed, the wealth of the wise is their crown; gray hair is a crown of splendor; and grandchildren are a crown to the aged. (Proverbs 14:24; 16:31; 17:6)

My friend, what crown are you pursuing in this life? The crown of wealth or fame? The crown of power or preeminence? Do you chase after the things of this world, but neglect the crown of redemption God has provided for you? Have you so soon forgotten that the One who has bestowed so many gracious crowns upon you wore a crown of thorns upon His own head? Does the blood that oozed from each pierce of His brow not penetrate your very soul as well?

It is my prayer that we will exercise self-discipline and persevere in faith to receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him. (James 1:12) Indeed, all those who long for His appearing will be awarded the crown of righteousness on that Day. (2 Timothy 4:8) And when He appears, believers will receive the crown of glory! (1 Peter 5:4) Therefore, let us be faithful to the Lord Jesus, even to the point of death, for we will receive eternal life as our victor’s crown. (Revelation 2:10)

Have a Blessed Day!