Crowns? For Me? And You?

CROWNS? FOR ME? AND YOU?

You may remember in the Gospel Jesus mentioned that we should seek treasure that is unable to be eaten by moths or stolen by thieves, and I would like to touch on some of that treasure.  Most people recognize crowns as a form of treasure, so let's look in the bible and see how many crowns it is possible to collect; coming with me?
Our first crown is an incorruptible one!  "And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible." (1 Cor. 9:25)

Then there's a crown of rejoicing! "For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?  For ye are our glory and joy." (1 Thess. 2:19 - 20)

Then there's a crown of righteousness, available to everone loving the coming of Christ! "Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing." (2 Tim. 4:8)

Faithful church leaders have a crown coming to them, too!  "Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.  And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away." (1 Pet. 5:2 - 4)

Can you imagine a crown so easy to acquire, for loving the Lord?  "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him." (James 1:12)  Let us remember, now, that God equates love with obedience! This very same crown is mentioned again in Revelation! "Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." (Rev. 2:10)

So now you know about these crowns available to you. Some are easy to obtain, some take work, and others perserverance, but let us show ambition, for the Lord is our greatest prize!  Let us collect as many as we are able!