Believers often question the mention of rewards as a basis for motivating us to live faithfully/ victoriously. However, remember in Revelation 4:4, 10–11, the twenty-four elders, who represent those believers who have gained crowns, cast them at the Savior’s feet. When they do, they say, “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power….” These crowns were not gained for the sake of the crown, but rather for the privilege of demonstrating gratitude for the great sacrifice of Jesus Christ on our behalf. It is not a question of being motivated by either the love of Christ or the desire for the crown. It is the desire, out of love for Christ, to have something to lay at His feet—a token of our thankfulness for all He has done for us. “Behold, I come quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.” Revelation 3:11.

Special crowns are offered for different kinds of service:

  • The imperishable crown for self-control and discipline (1 Cor. 9:24–27),
  • The crown of joy for effective witness (Phil. 4:1; 1 Thess. 2:19),
  • The crown of life for enduring suffering (James 1:12; Rev. 2:10),
  • The crown of righteousness for those who live in light of Christ’s coming (2 Tim. 4:6–8), and
  • The crown of glory (1 Pet. 5:1–4), often called the pastor’s crown.


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