"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.  Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever" (1 Corinthians 9:24, 25).

My Mom and Dad named me after Stephen in the Bible.  Of course he is one of my favorite Bible characters, although his ministry was cut short. Stephen comes from the Greek stefanoV, which means "crowned one".

Yesterday I spoke in a church concerning our future crowns. Did you know that the New Testament uses the illustration of a crown seven times in regard to a future promise?*

The Apostle Paul wrote this portion to the Corinthian believers. Corinth was located in Greece where the ancient Olympic games were held and many of his readers would identify with this illustration which stresses a vital spiritual truth.  I believe Paul was interested in athletics as he uses athletic illustrations in his writings such as running, wrestling and boxing.  In this passage he is urging diligence in the Christian life.  He urges the Corinthians believers and us to "Run in such a way as to get the prize" and reminds them of the strict training that was involved for the serious contestant. 

"They do it to get a crown that will not last." This contrast in the crowns is the part of the verse that especially grips my heart. Indeed the ancient crown of victory was a laurel wreath that eventually withered and died.  Even the gold medals received by the winners in the modern games will one day perish. Today many, perhaps most, are in pursuit of the many types of temporal crowns that will not last. For so many the pursuit of God is placed on a back burner in life to be dealt with at some later time.

"But we do it to get a crown that will last forever."  Praise God!  Look at that again. "But we do it to get a crown that will last forever."  This crown is not for a select few, note the plural pronoun "we".  Earlier in the passage he wrote regarding the competition in the ancient games that "only one gets the prize."  Consider all the athletes that work so hard to be in the Olympics but don't receive a medal. 

This is not so in regard to our future crown.  All that faithfully live their lives for Christ will receive this crown!  In his final letter Paul expresses a tremendous assurance in God as he prepared for his departure from this life.  "Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing" (2 Timothy 4:8). 

Today let me encourage you to keep in clear focus the crown that will last forever.  I close with a line from an old Isaac Watts hymn, "All the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them to His blood."


Be encouraged today,


Stephen C. Weber

Brooksyne's prayer – Lord Jesus, even as athletes go into strict training to reach their physical goals, there is much sacrifice involved.  Their appetites, exercise, endurance, activities, and even their sleep habits must work toward their physical goal.  I am willing to experience earthly loss in exchange for heavenly gain.  I want to know You, Jesus, and the power of Your resurrection and even the fellowship of Your sufferings.  As I fix my eyes upon You, Lord, the heavenly crown that awaits me continually reminds me that it will be worth it all.  Help me to forget those things which I leave behind and anticipate that which is yet to come.  I want to win the prize for which You have called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. 

*Some of you may be interested in what these seven crowns are:

• The crown for those who love His appearance. "Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing"  (2 Timothy 4:8).
• The crown for those who compete according to the rules. "Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules” (2 Timothy 2:5).
• The crown for enduring trials. "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12).
• The crown for those willing to feed the flock. "Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve;  not lording it 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 will never fade away" (1 Peter 5:2-4).
• The crown for those who are faithful unto death.  "Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10).
• The crown for those who win souls. "For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when He comes? Is it not you?"  (1 Thessalonians 2:19)
• The crown for those who master the old nature. "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever” (1 Corinthians 9:24,25).