5 Heavenly Crowns to Live For!Sample

#1 | The Imperishable, incorruptible, eternal crown

And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. (1 Corinthians 9:25, NKJV).

This crown is for those who are faithful to God from their salvation to the end of their lives. In Biblical times, a 'wreath' was woven with branches and leaves and given to those who won a race. After a few days however, the wreath would wither and be thrown away. For believers, choosing Christ and running the race with God in this life, will result in receiving a crown that will never wither! For this to happen, we must run the Christian life in a way that sets us apart from the world. The main emphasis is to practice self-control, throughout our lives.

Jesus urged us not to invest only in earthly treasures (Matthew 6:19). Nothing we can obtain in this life compares with the life to come. That does not mean we can't have good things now – they should just not 'have us'! Choose therefore to lay aside everything in this life that may separate you from your love for the Lord Jesus in any way. In all we do, we are to call others to choose Christ as we did.

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF

>> Are there things you allow yourself to continue doing that are worldly?

>> If Jesus appears here with you right now, which things will sadden His heart because it brings distance between Him and you?

>> What are you willing to do to rid yourself of worldliness? This can include things to give up, as well as certain spiritual disciplines to engage in more, e.g., time in prayer and the Word to help you grow spiritually as a Believer.