5 Heavenly Crowns

5 heavenly crowns

1. Crown of life

2. Incorruptible Crown

3. Crown of Righteousness

4. Crown of Glory

5. Crown of Rejoicing

5 heavenly crowns, are unlike the usual crowns we know that crowned kings and queens, but each crown represents a reward as promised in the Gospels for a specific act of service or perseverance.

.1.

Crown of Life

"Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tired, he shall receive the crown of life.." – James 1:12

Those who compete in the Olympics devote their entire lives solely for that end goal - the Olympic gold medal. Their days and hours are dedicated to exhausting training, pushing their bodies beyond boundaries, testing their limits and their strong commitment to strict dieting while resisting temptations. What stops them from quitting? And what motivates them to go through this exhausting daily routine?

Our faith is constantly tested whenever we face challenging times in life. Temptations lure us towards the darkness, and we face trials and tribulations where our patience and perseverance is evaluated. It doesn't get any easier with time. It gets harder.

"For when he is tired, he shall receive the crown of life.." Knowing this gives us the motivation and hope to endure all of life's obstacles.

So what is the crown of life?

"..Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown" - Revelation 3:11

The crown of life is not eternal life let's not get that mistaken, as the eternal life is a gift, given to everyone and to those who believe in Christ for it. The crown of life is a recognition and honour to those who earned it by faithfully serving Him, which then, as mention in Revelation 3:12," will make him a pillar in the temple of My God... and will write on him My new name."

.2.

Incorruptible Crown

"And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown..." - 1 Corinthian 9:25

What am I competing for ? And what must I do to earn the prize? Two valid questions we each should ask ouselves.

The olympic runner must run a 10 K run, which is 25 laps to reach the finish line at the end of the race. Through training, the runner has disciplined his body, his endurance and successfully run all 25 laps to the finish line.

"Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection.." - Corinthians 9:26-27

Our existence here on earth is a race where we need to keep running until we reach the finish line. This requires a lot of endurance and self-control! With self-control, we can resist temptations and distractions that are a detour from the finish line. With our goal being clear, we are motivated to keep running and keep fighting until the end.

Unlike our flesh in this world we live in, the incorruptible crown is imperishable, just like His incorruptible blood and flesh given to us through communion, His incorruptible holy spirit bestowed upon us through baptism and the incorruptible inheritance that we are promised. This crown is Immortal.

.3.

Crown of righteousness

"Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me one that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing." – 2 Timothy 4:8

The crown of righteousness is a crown for those who are ready and waiting for Christ's coming. A more intimate crown for those with a close, loving relationship with Him.

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." – 2 Timothy 4:7

The Apostle Paul mentioned three things he achieved – He fought a good fight, completed his course, and kept his faith in his achievements; he is ready to receive Him. A promise given to those who Love Him and waiting for His second coming will receive "The crown of righteousness" personally by the Lord Himself.

.4.

The Crown of Glory

"Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly, nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away."

– 1 Peter 5: 1-4

Specifically for all the pastors, apostles, prophets, evangelists, teachers, ministers, and every person responsible for watching over God's flock – His children.

"And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature." – Mark 16:14

It is not a task that you are "forced" to do, nor to gain an advantage or power. Because you love, you have taken on the responsibility of being a shepherd of God's flock. Compassion, kindness and patience. We are reminded that God is the "Chief Shepherd" from Whom we will receive "the crown of glory". A selfless act with a glorious reward.

.5.

Crown of Rejoicing

Also known as the Crown of Exultation.

"For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?" - 1 Thessalonians 2:19

This crown gives us hope. God is asking us to be patient and not to worry because when the day comes, He will wipe away every tear from our eyes, and there will be no more pain or suffering as mentioned in Revelation 21:4. We are given peace of mind and hope. A comforting reminder that in the end, our perseverance with our faith will soon be rewarded, and in the end, it is all worth it.

John 1:5 When light shines in darkness

"And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it."

- John 1:5

When I read this verse, the first thing that came to mind was the 21 Coptics persecuted for their faith and love of Christ. At their darkest hours, they kneeled praying, and still, they shone brightly, if not brighter than ever. Whenever I see that Image, I see every one of them shining bright, ready to enter the kingdom of heaven and to be received in the arms of Christ. They shone in Honor and joy; I saw no fear. 21 Lanterns have Lit up the world and brought it from the darkness.

A beautiful passage to read, especially on your darkest days. Hope. This passage reminds us that even in our darkest days, God's light still shines through. His presence in our lives is the light directing our path.

" In Him was life, and the life was the light of men." - John 1:4

In the beginning, the earth was a dark place with no light. God created the sun with just one word, and then there was light. I always thought of the natural light of the sun that shone in bright daylight. But after reading through John 1:1-5, I realized maybe the light that shone on earth wasn't the literal meaning of the sun but from God's word itself.

"He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." -John 8:12

We are given two options. Either to remain living in darkness or to walk in the light. Following Christ means carrying our lanterns of commitment. Those lanterns guide us the way to Him while shining on others. Just as said in Matthew5:14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden." I lived in darkness for many years, lost and wandering. Let me tell you that it was challenging. One day I caught a glimpse of a ray of light. Running towards it as I got closer, it got brighter, and suddenly life was bright and full of light, and the shadow was no longer my companion. The light inside me shone so brightly that I couldn't keep it to myself, and I felt it would be selfish. I wanted to share with others the joy it brought me. I wanted to take others out of that darkness the same way God got me. Besides, why keep the world in the dark when we can reflect God's light onto them? Christ asked us not to keep the light hidden to ourselves or among ourselves but to share the light with others, especially those who need it the most.

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." -Psalm 119:105

As lantern carriers, we must guide others through the dark path. Imagine walking in the dark with no light guiding us? Where should we go? Which direction should we take? Many seek this light. Knowing His word gave us the responsibility to hold it like a lantern and share it among others.

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."

-Matthew 5:16

How can we share Christ's light with those who live in the dark? Is it by preaching alone? No.

Christ bestowed on us as the children of light as Paul mentioned in Ephesians 5:8 " For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light." With Baptism, we are reborn and given the Holy Spirit. KnowingGod, and His words, we are given the light of knowledge. Being the children of God means being the children of light. That means we should walk in the same way as God, in love, with purity and compassion and be a pure reflection of Him to the world.

Colossians 4:6 - A seasoned conversation

"Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one."

-Colossians 4:6

Salt? When it comes to seasoning your dish, you're well aware that you need the right amount of salt to enhance and bring out the flavour while not adding enough salt will end up being bland. Salt adds many benefits to your food, one which is keeping your food well preserved.

Christ always seasoned his words well. Something that requires our practice and experience until we learn to create a flavourful conversation.

Paul applies "seasoning with salt" to our conversations, just as Christ used the expression "Salt of the earth" on us as Christians. Salt - being His words, without it, the earth loses its flavour and preservative to save it from spoiling. So when Christ says "You are the Salt of the Earth" it is our responsibility to add flavour to the world and protect it.

We ask ourselves, how can we do that? Where do we begin?

Like any meal comes with a recipe, directions and a lot of practice.

The perfect recipe for a seasoned conversation

1. Grace

First of all, what is grace? According to the dictionary, it is the smoothness and elegance of movement. While in the bible "grace" is the love and kindness that God poured on us as a favour through his salvation, giving us peace in life despite being undeserving.

So how can we speak gracefully?

"And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you."

- Ephesians 4:32

When we recognise and experience God's grace, regardless of our sinful natures and imperfection as humans, God still gave us the gift of grace. Undeserving yet still, He accepts us with open arms and loves us unconditionally. We can apply that nature with one another - acceptance, love, forgiveness and kindness. When we approach one another with compassion, love and with grace comes self- control. With self-control we are encouraged to use our words wisely, respond calmly in every situation.

"The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made."

— Psalm 145:8-9

2. Pray

Yes, prayers. Many underestimate the power of prayers. Every time I have a conversation with God, my Father, I'm always aware of how I represent myself in front of Him and how to use my words, a great way to train how to present yourself and approach others. With prayers, I'm able to collect my thoughts and clear my mind from distractions, calming me down to be able to face and respond to any situation. Through prayers I gain self-control, strength and some wisdom.

" Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."

- Proverbs 3:5-6

3. Wear the helmet of salvation, hold the sword of the Spirit.

"Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."

- Ephesians 6:17

Being given access to His words is a privilege not everyone has, unfortunately. A powerful tool we take for granted. His words act as a helmet, an essential item in every battle for protection. Helmets are used to protect our heads; with this said, His words protects our minds from evil and toxic thoughts that would cloud our judgments. His word is our sword; the weapon used to kill and defeat enemies (in this case, sins, evil etc.). When it comes to using weapons before battles, we must first train ourselves. That's why with His words not only should we listen to it, but to listen to it carefully, practice it in our daily lives and live in it.

4. Listen first, then speak.

"Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath."

- James 1:19

"Slow to speak, slow to wrath", a piece of helpful advice that we can use to avoid conflicts and regrets yet Many times I failed to take. We need to take the time to listen and hear what others have to say to respond as necessary rather irrelevantly. What is their concern? Their requests? What is their purpose for this conversation? Sometimes when we listen more than we speak leads to the best results. Slow to speak, When we are slow to speak, we give ourselves the chance to think about what we're about to say. How will it affect the situation? And which direction will this conversation take? Doing this will stop us from saying all the wrong things!

Lastly, slow to wrath, the worst thing is when things escalate quickly more than it deserves. The instant you lose your temper that's when you lose control, control of what you're about to say. With anger, you end up saying harsh words, which will harm not just yourself but towards others. That is why we are asked to be "slow to wrath"; we are given the time to collect our thoughts and calm down the instant we get hyped up.

5. Become His reflection

"Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness;"

- Genesis 1:26

When you think of God, how do you feel? Peace, love, compassion, self- sacrifice and grace? What do you see? Light? Now when you see yourself, does your image reflect Him?

So many times when I'm in a situation where I'm not sure how to act, I ask myself the golden question that is: What would Jesus do? Would He openly accept that person's presence, or would He turn him away? Would He forgive them? Would He judge them for what they're about to say?

We are a representation of God's image, the reflection of His image to the world; I always keep that in mind. It is an impossible task and a lot of pressure for an unworthy human like myself to handle. To show God's image, it is through good works, acts of service and His words.

6. Smile

I couldn't emphasise this enough - Smile! I always mention the importance of this in almost every blog I've written. Smiling at someone is a small act yet a powerful one that can even save their life!

"Let us always meet each other with a smile, for the smile is the beginning of love."

- Mother Teresa

Smile is a part of the journey of grace. A smile reflects the cheerfulness in your heart and joy. We want to share that joy with the world instead of keeping it to ourselves. What better way to do so than through smiling? As according to Proverbs 15:13 "A happy heart makes the face cheerful.." It is the cure to all the sadness and sorrows in the world.

"Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people."

-Ephesians 6:7

While serving, we need to serve with a smile on our face, to reflect the joy we have in serving and the love we have for one another. That smile gives people hope in life and the light in the darkness.

Paul wants us to apply Christ's request - becoming the salt of the world. Through grace, we gain compassion, love, patience and peace to respond to every situation and questions directed towards us gracefully. And being the salt of the world, we can preserve the world from ruin, giving it the good flavour it deserves.