To win the race, to be first, to stand out, to receive applause, to live, we all long for these things. We all strive for the best, the strongest and train ourselves to achieve these honorable things. Good things come from rigorous training and sweet victory. Whether its overcoming a phobia of pubic speaking in the workplace or training to win the intramural basketball tourney, being given the prize of success is SAWEET!
But what is the ultimate prize?? The olympian, whether they get first in the dangerous downhill slalom or in ice curling; or take the javelin thrower who throws the javelin 150 yards like a champ. The medals and trophies awarded to these champions are worthless compared to the everlasting prize that Christians receive for following and obeying the LORD. That gold medal at the winter olympics- is nothing more than a base medal disc with the thinnest wash of gold plating. The Stanley Cup trophy pictured to the right above, has so many chips and dents in it that it only looks smooth, shimmering and immaculate from afar.
But not the crown of righteousness!! The crown that Christians are given after holding true to the LORD receive an everlasting crown that is worn on the heads of immortals, saved by the grace of the living God. This crown is pure and it will not fade or tarnish or chip. It shall stay bright and shining for ever and ever! What trophy are you wanting? What prize and glory or you longing for??
Train to receive the crown of righteousness. The crown for immortals. As the apostle Paul states when he wrote to Timothy, a young man who was preaching the Good News to the citizens of Ephesus,
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 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 4:5
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