JUN 9

James 1:12
Memorise 1 Peter 5:4
“…a crown of glory that fadeth not away.”

Today’s Bible verse tells us that those who endure temptation and come forth triumphant will receive a “crown of life” from Christ. A similar promise is found in Revelation 2:10 when Christ said to John that those who suffer tribulation for His sake and are faithful will be given a “crown of life”. Various other passages also describe other crowns that believers can receive. 2 Timothy 4:8 describes a “crown of righteousness” given to all who “love His appearing”. 1 Corinthians 9:25 describes an “incorruptible” crown, meaning a crown that will never rust nor disintegrate but will last forever.

This crown is, however, not the same sort of worldly crown that the world is familiar with. The world works hard to attain worldly crowns. They put in extra hours, they suffer deprivation of rest and sleep and they work by the sweat of their brow to become bosses of big companies. This is a worldly crown. 1 Corinthians 9:25 tell us that such a crown is corruptible which means it will not last. Everything that is not done for the Lord will perish. When Christ’s judgment fire comes, these will burn up and amount to absolutely nothing just like fire burning up wood, hay and stubble (1 Corinthians 3:12-13).

The incorruptible crown is instead given to those who are faithful, whose faith is built through trials, temptations and affliction and the Word of God (1 Peter 1:7, Isaiah 48:10). When we finally get to heaven, we will truly understand the value of these crowns, for they will be the tribute of praise that we can render to God, as we prostrate before the throne of God and cast our crowns before Him, just as the four and twenty elders do in Revelation 4:10.

Dear teen, do not invest your efforts to gain worldly crowns and rewards, instead seek after the crown that will never perish, seek after service for God and to walk faithfully for His sake.

Thought: If I appear before Christ today, how will I fare?
Prayer: Lord, please help me to pursue after heavenly things that really matter.