How to keep a divine perspective

When it comes to eternal rewards, Jesus and the New Testament writers used a number of analogies to describe the kinds of rewards which God will bestow on those who faithfully partner with Him.  One particular word picture that shows up several times is receiving a crown.  Sometimes, crown-rewards are specific to particular groups, while earning other crown-rewards are open to all believers. 

Crowns designate both power and authority.  Some commentators have equated God bestowing a crown with our modern-day practice of a soldier earning a medal.  The medal itself does not contain valor, but instead declares the owner to have earned the reward through courage, bravery, or heroism.

Last time we looked at a crown that is available for those who have put in the effort to care for and disciple other believers.  Next is a crown that is available to believers whose lives are driven by a divine perspective.

Since meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus, the Apostle Paul has worked to spread the good news of eternal life through Jesus.  He’s worked in his local church, he’s gone on mission trips, he’s mentored younger believers, and he’s written letters of both encouragement and rebuke to help other believers understand how to live out their new life in Christ.  However, in his last letter – written to his protégé, Timothy – we read that Paul knows his time on earth is almost up.  Soon after writing this letter, he is brought before Emperor Nero and beheaded.

However, he is not afraid of what’s next.  In fact, he’s already looking beyond his meeting with Nero:

2 Timothy 4:6-8
For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time for my departure is close.  I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 

There is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me, but to all those who have loved His appearing.

Joseph Dillow, author of “Final Destiny: The Future Reign of the Servant Kings”, describes the crown of righteousness in these terms:

Righteousness in this passage should be understood as “upright behavior”.  It is a crown of vindication, a crown which says, “Paul, you have lived well.”…As he wrote, Paul stood before an unrighteous judge receiving an unrighteous reward.  But one day, he will stand before the only Judge that matters and that Judge will grant to him a righteous crown, a crown of vindication saying, “Paul, you were right, Rome was wrong!  Thank you for serving Me.”

The crown of righteousness is for all those who have loved His appearing.  Do we look forward to the day when Jesus returns, just like He promised He would?  I’m sure for most of us, the concept of Christ’s return sounds great.  But if He returned right now – how would you feel about the life you’re living?  Would you be happy to give Jesus a tour of your daily life, or does the thought of a heavenly life-audit bring a sense of shame?  If Jesus appeared right now, would you stand up and cheer, or would you be more inclined to shrink back in embarrassment?

Looking back, there are plenty of moments in my life where I’m relieved that Jesus didn’t return at that specific moment.  Not so much as a “gotcha!” but as a “I’m selfishly living the life He’s given me right now”.  Thankfully, there is an antidote, one that will put us back on track to earn the crown of righteousness, and it is found in one of the Apostle John’s letters:

1 John 2:28
So now, little children, remain in Him so that when He appears we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.

Getting our life on track doesn’t require an 8-step program or a magical formula.  Our aim is to remain in Him.  Stay connected to Jesus, just like a branch needs to be connected to the vine.  When we do, our confidence and life-decisions will sort themselves out.  The longer we remain in Him, the better we get at it, too.  We’ll learn how to live well, and we’ll truly look forward to His appearing.

How great would it be to hear “Well done!” from Jesus and then to receive the crown of righteousness from Him?

Keep Pressing,
Ken