Victor’s Crowns
A couple of weeks ago I had the honor of attending the ceremonies when my husband, Gary, was inducted into the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Yet, I observed his reluctance to participate. We discussed possible reasons, but then just let it be.
I recalled my hesitation about promoting any books I’ve written and then I understood.
Imagine that after a lifetime of work, and promotions and accomplishments, you find yourself suddenly before God. Before you have a chance to relax and enjoy His love, He asks you one question, His voice thunders.
“What do you bring with you?”
You panic, reach into your pockets, realizing you no longer have them. You pat yourself down… nothing. You glance at your hands where you used to have a gold ring… not there. Bowing your head in shame, you shake your head.
“I’m sorry. I don’t have anything.”
As you stand there, another person comes before God and the same scene unfolds. You remember the person next to you. They struggled throughout their life, and never succeeded at achieving much. However, when the question was asked, the man’s face lit up. He reached up to his head and removed a victor’s crown, and said “All for Your glory!” God laughs with delight and extends His arms, saying “I am so proud of you. We did good, didn’t we?” The other man nods, weeping and laughing with joy.
And although you are welcomed by God, you regret not having something of worth to offer Him.
We all have a tendency to build our own empires of self - where we are the center of our worlds.
But It doesn’t satisfy, except only temporarily until we have to come up with another award or accomplishment to pursue.
I thought about the future - when we would be able to take all the accolades (crowns) we’ve earned and offer them as a gift to the only True One who deserve them. It will be a glorious time of giving gifts back to the One who gave us the gifts in the first place.
You see, the things we accomplish here on earth are meaningless unless they are done for Him. Jesus. Everything we do to build our own minuscule, selfish kingdoms will decay. But, everything done as an expression of love will last. He loved us first. Every time we love, it is only possible because of Him. Everything we build for Him, and through Him will last - as our crowns of victory - that we get to present to Him on that great and glorious day!
“the twenty-four elders fell facedown before the one seated on the throne and they worshiped the one who lives forever and ever.
And they surrendered their crowns before the throne, singing:
“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory, honor, and power, for you created all things, and by your plan they were created and exist.””
Revelation 4:10-11 TPT