The Novelty Detox for Lent: Letting Go of Novelty and Being Present in the EverydaySample

Day 5: Developing Discipline

On Day Six, we will explore the other four crowns and how we can restore novelty through our pursuit of or striving for them. However, today, our focus is on the imperishable crown. This crown is awarded to believers who have disciplined their flesh and live a life of self-control. It is a discipline that is not rooted in pride but comes from a place of grace, always acknowledging our Saviour throughout the journey.

This crown is for the fighters—those who choose to surrender their weaknesses at the cross, setting aside the desires for constant novelty, the lust for new things, experiences, and people. It is for those who live a life that glorifies our Saviour. While they may not always do so perfectly, they know where their strength comes from and relentlessly pursue righteousness along the narrow path. These are the recipients of this crown.

When I realized that my desire for novelty could prevent me from receiving this crown, it struck me that my focus was more on the temporary pleasures of life than on the eternal reward of heaven. While my pursuit of novelty was, to some extent, permissible, it was ultimately of no real profit—to anyone, including myself.

I want to elaborate that our salvation is not works-based; scripture clarifies that our salvation is based on belief and we could not earn our own salvation. However, we are called to honor God through surrendering our passions, lusts of the flesh, and temptations at the cross.

Ask yourself today: If you were standing before the Father and an award ceremony was about to take place, would you receive this crown?