1 Peter 5:4 NKJV
[4] and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.
2 Timothy 4:8 NKJV
[8] Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.
When we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior, Peter and Paul tell us that we will receive a crown of glory and righteousness that will never fade away. Everyone that has taken part of the Bread of Life will enter eternity as a joint heir with Christ. Our eternity is secure.
Romans 8:16-17 NKJV
[16] The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, [17] and if children, then heirs-heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.
So what else is there for us to do? Well, Jesus did not intend for us to just earn our crown and be done. He also told us to store up our treasures in heaven. I love the Amplified version of Matthew 6:19-21 – we are to gather, heap up and store our treasures in heaven. This is described not as a sedentary lifestyle, but an active lifestyle of “heaping up,” continually adding and actively pursuing the mission of Christ — winning souls.
Matthew 6:19-21 AMPC
[19] Do not gather and heap up and store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust and worm consume and destroy, and where thieves break through and steal. [20] But gather and heap up and store for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust nor worm consume and destroy, and where thieves do not break through and steal; [21] For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Our Christian walk is not one that is supposed to be hidden from view, but we are to be salt and light, letting our witness be seen by all. This doesn’t mean that we preach to everyone. It means that we are to live differently. Preaching is a spiritual gift that only some are called to do, but we all have spiritual gifts that are to be used for His kingdom.
God has made each of us uniquely different with abilities to reach others that only you can do. You are the only you that God made. You are the only one that can touch those in your life. For some of those around you, you may be the only “life preserver” that they may ever see in their ocean of life.
God has a plan and a purpose for all of us. If you believe that He directs our paths, then you must believe that He puts people in your life for a reason. We cannot take the calling on our life lightly. God can and will use us for His kingdom if we just humble ourselves, submit to him, seek His will and follow His Word. Sharing His love is an incredible blessing to not only the recipient, but for yourself. It is beautiful to take part in God’s ministry through whatever He has called you to do using the gifts He has given you.
Note: This is a really great study by Pastor Rodney of Calvary Chapel, Cary, on Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12 that goes into great detail of the spiritual gifts.
Romans 12:6-8 NKJV
[6] Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; [7] or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; [8] he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
So let’s not just be satisfied with winning our crown, but let’s actively pursue treasures in heaven with infectious faith.
I love you and am praying for you today!
Dad