What Awaits You?

Finally, there is laid up
for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will
give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His
appearing.

--2 Timothy 4:8

The concept of a crown, or a reward, in the Bible is something that is
given to a believer for his or her faithfulness. Paul said that if you look
forward with great anticipation to the return of Christ, then you will have the
crown of righteousness waiting for you (see 2 Timothy 4:8).

We are told in Revelation 3:11, "Hold fast what you have, that no one may
take your crown." This is speaking of the opportunities that God has given to
you. There is a reward promised to every believer who faithfully serves the
Lord. Don't miss that opportunity. If you do, you will not receive the crown
that Jesus has for you.

Speaking of Jesus as the foundation being laid in human hearts, the apostle
Paul wrote,

Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones,
wood, hay, straw, each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare
it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work,
of what sort it is. (1 Corinthians 3:12--13)

If we do not faithfully serve the Lord with the right motives and do what God
has set before us, there won't be a reward, or a crown, waiting for us in
heaven. But if we take hold of those opportunities God has given to us, then He
will give us that crown.

It will depend entirely on what God has called us to do. He will judge each
of us according to the plan and purpose He has placed in our lives. What if this
were your last year on earth? Live according to His purpose for your life and
earn a crown.

For more
relevant and biblical teaching from Pastor Greg Laurie, go to
www.harvest.org.

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