Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.
–2 Timothy 4:8
It’s a wonderful thing to give your all to Christ and to live full-out for him. And that’s just the kind of life Jesus has called us to.
Maybe you wonder why it really matters. It actually matters a great deal, because one day we are going to stand before Christ to receive a heavenly reward. We see in today’s verse that the apostle Paul had a sure expectation that he was going to see Jesus Christ, and that he would receive a “crown of righteousness.”
Now this isn’t boastful arrogance on Paul’s part. This is the confidence that comes from having “fought the good fight” of faith, and having lived according to the word and purposes of God.
But this crown of righteousness isn’t just for Paul. There’s a crown for all who believe in Christ and who look forward to his glorious return… that day when our faith is turned to sight and our hope is fully realized.
If you belong to Christ Jesus and are living a life that brings honor and glory to him, then rejoice; there’s a crown of righteousness waiting for you! And one joyous day you can lay that crown at the feet of your precious Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
THERE’S A CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS WAITING FOR YOU!