Why would we run for a crown that will perish with time, when we’re called to win a crown that is imperishable?
– Paul Washer
In the early years of my conversion, I have often struggled when the conversations turn to the truth about religions; who is right and wrong. Are the Muslims wrong? How about the Buddhists? Where do the Hindus stand? Or the Catholics? I did not know, at that time, how to express the knowledge of the truth in Christ. Then, I came across a video of Todd Friel when he was evangelizing at a University. He said to a post-modern student, One of us is right or we are both wrong. We cannot be both right.
Everybody wants to win or be in the winning group. But how will they strive to win or be with the winning team if they do not know the prize, the imperishable crown. Christians should share the absolute truth of Christ. If we love our neighbours we have to tell them that they are in danger of losing the race.
Bible Reading
Today’s devotional reading is from the 1st Letter of Paul to the Corinthians 9:24-25. Please, read our recent devotional from the Book of Hebrews 12:1-2: How Can You Establish And Perfect Your Faith?
Eternity With Christ Is the Imperishable Crown
To win a prize, the players strive hard to achieve it. In verse twenty-five, Paul wrote, Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. Christians, like any athletes, should train and discipline themselves through the scriptures; for us to attain the imperishable crown – the eternal life with Christ. Moreover, Paul wrote, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14).
For those who lose or are non-believers, there is also an eternity for them. The big difference is that it will be an eternity without Christ. This situation, too is imperishable, because there will be no going back to Him. It is written, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9).
Attaining The Imperishable Crown
The good news is that we are granted that imperishable crown. Jesus has set a crown for us when He died on the cross for our sins and resurrected. Furthermore, He gave us a headstart in our race. Now we have to do is to accept the baton from Him and continue the race. How? Repent from our sins and accepting Jesus as our Lord and Saviour.
However, we should not forgo that salvation is received through God’s grace alone, in our faith in Christ alone. Our persistence in continuing the race to achieve the imperishable crown should be rooted in the faith we have in Jesus Christ. Let us work out our own salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12). Not because we can be saved by doing so rather, we do so in obedience to the One who saved us.
Reflection
This is the time for your journaling. Reflect on these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit to test your faith and your walk with Christ.
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? — 2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV.
- Did you have the same struggle when conversing about the absolute truth?
- What are your goals in life?
- Are you aiming to achieve the imperishable crown of eternal life with Christ? Accept Jesus Now.
- How are you running your race?
Related Posts
- What Is The Desire Of Jesus For You?
- How Hard Is The Hardships Of Life?
- How To Start The Year Right
- Where Do We Belong?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we adore and glorify your holy name. Thank you for your Son, Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for our sins. We also thank you for your saving grace through Christ. O Lord, Jesus, thank you for giving us a head start in achieving the imperishable crown of eternal life with you and the Father. Grant us, Holy Spirit, the perseverance to run the race towards Jesus Christ. May we also bring and encourage others in this race.
We pray in Jesus’ saving name. Amen.
