A Crown

 Back, many years ago, I recall a conversation I overheard between my mom's sister and my dad. I recall it going something like this: 

"Andy, why do you do the things you do for the people you do them for?" I believe that he was talking about helping someone in the church with something, which was how he lived his life, doing for others. 

He replied, "It is just for a jewel in my crown." 

At the time, I was very immature, young, uneducated, and I thought that was a very self-centered reply. I thought, "Is that why we do things for others? To get rewarded for ourselves?" 

Fast forward to many many years later, and I am not sure when, it hit me. What do we do with our crowns? Do you know? What are your thoughts on that?

There are many references to crowns in the Bible. In 2 Timothy 4:8 Paul refers to the crown of righteousness that will be rewarded to him when he arrives in Heaven. But, not only to him, but to ALL who have loved Jesus' appearing. If we are living in Christ, we all have a crown to look forward to. 

But, will we all be walking around Heaven showing off our crowns to each other like a badge of honor? I do not believe so. And, this revelation that I had made me realize what my dad was getting at. 

According to Revelation 4:10, our crowns will be laid at the feet of Jesus. With knowing that, I really want my crown to be filled with jewels and beauty. I don't want an empty crown, I want one that shows that while I was here, I worked to fill my crown with jewels that show honor and love to Jesus. 

My salvation is not about works, or earning a reward. Salvation is a free gift, Jesus gives that to us through His death and resurrection. My jewels in my crowns is what I have done and am going to do with the salvation that He has given me. I can keep it to myself, and still be guaranteed a home in Heaven, but I do not want to arrive with nothing to offer Him.