ETERNAL CROWNS

MEMORISE: ‘And thy that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.’ (Dan 12:3)
READ: 1 Corinthians 4: 15-18

God is faithful towards those who serve him. He will not forget your labour of love, sacrifices and self-denials encountered in a bid to please him. After earth’s travails come heaven’s rewards. Your earthly salary does not last. But the reward you will get in heaven is lasting and true. These crowns are not given to wishful thinkers but to those who faithfully and painstakingly work for them.

There are different crowns you can receive in heaven. Each has requirements to be met. 2 Timothy 4:8 tells of the crown of righteousness, which is reserved for those who live holy and earnestly, daily anticipating and praying for Christ’s second coming. Do you qualify for this? Would you want Jesus to come right now? Another crown, a special one at that, decorated with stars depending on the number of souls won, is available to soul winners – the incurable evangelists. 1 Thessalonians 2: 19-20 calls this the crown of joy or rejoicing.

Daniel 12:3 says: ‘And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever’. How many souls can you boast of for Christ? The crown of glory according to 1 peter 5:2-4, is reserved only for those who have distinguished themselves as pastors, elders, group leaders and ministers of God. You do not qualify just because you occupied the office, but because you used the office satisfactorily to God’s glory (1 Tim 3:13). Pastors, how are you pasturing?

Those who overcome sin, Satan, the flesh and worldly attractions will eventually qualify for the incorruptible crown, according to 1 Corinthians 9: 24-27. this means that all your self-denials and persecutions endured for the Gospel’s sake will not go unrewarded. Stand firm in Christ. Refuse to compromise your faith, no matter what the offer from Satan, because you will be handsomely rewarded. The crown of life is promised to those who endure afflictions and trials of faith. These would have shown their pre-eminent love for Christ, according to James 1:12 and Revelation 2:10. Endure your trial and wait for your crown!.

ACTION POINT
You will determine what crowns you will receive
Why not deliberately work towards them?