Henceforth
there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord,
the righteous judge, will award me on that Day, and not only me but
also to all who have loved his appearing. 2nd
Timothy 4:8
I
heard a funny story out of the 'What's In It For Me Generation'
textbook. An arrogant man walked into a popular church and said to
the pastor, “I'm looking to get involved in a church as a pastor.
I want to know what your church can do for me.” He asked the wrong
guy. This pastor was a retired Marine. He said, “I'll tell you
exactly what this church can do for you. It can let the door hit
your behind on your way out.”
The
Good News of redemption is never about power or gain. The
highest goal I can attain to is to preach sound doctrine and Christ
and Him crucified (1st
Corinthians 2:2). My eye is not upon power or wealth but upon the
Crown of Righteousness I will receive from the hand of Christ. To
hear Him say “Well done, good and faithful servant,” will be
enough.
If
you have believed on the redemptive work of Jesus Christ
and look for His soon appearing, you too will receive a Crown of
Righteousness that will include you in an eternity with Him (John
14:3). Money and personal ambition will perish as all things do. Look to things above,
storing up treasures in heaven where things do not become corrupted
(Matthew 6:19). Use money wisely, but put your store into a Crown of
Righteousness that will never perish. “Well done, good and
faithful servant” will be His words to you as He bestows on you
your Crown of Righteousness. That's something money can't buy.
Ken
