The Bible speaks of several crowns that will be given to Christians as spiritual rewards of service and faithfulness.
There is the Crown of Life that will be granted to those who resisted sin and enduring persecution and trial. “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him” (James 1:12).
There is the Crown of Rejoicing, given to those who lead people to Christ. “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?” (1 Thess. 2:19).
There is the Crown of Righteousness, that will be awarded to those who live in the fear of the Lord, love Him, and long for His return. “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8).
There is the Crown of Glory, given for serving others. Speaking to the pastors of the church Peter wrote, “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3 Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away” (1 Peter 5:2-4).
There is a popular teaching that when we receive our crowns, we will cast them back at the feet of Jesus and say we are unworthy.
While that may sound like an act of humility, it might also be considered one of the greatest insults to the Lord of Glory imaginable.
Love gives, and the Lord Jesus gives to His Bride many gifts. Shall she take any one of them and cast them back at His feet? I hope not. Rather, let the heart say,
“Thank you, Lord
For saving my soul,
Thank you Lord,
for making me whole,
Thank you Lord,
for giving to me,
thy great salvation,
so rich and free.”
I want to accept the crowns of grace and glory with love, and honor the One who gave them to me, and trust you shall do the same.
