Daily Devotional for Tuesday, November 22

Crown of Righteousness

A well-known author wrote, “We are afraid that heaven is a bribe, and that if we make it our goal we shall no longer be disinterested. It is not so. Heaven offers nothing that a mercenary soul can desire. It is safe to tell the pure in heart that they shall see God, for only the pure in heart want to.” 

There is something to be enjoyed about a job well done. At the end of a task or a long work week, there is healthy satisfaction in knowing you did your absolute best and though there were obstacles, you persevered until the task was completed. This seems to be Paul’s heart as he encourages Timothy in his own life and ministry. 

There is a double meaning in the discussion of a crown of righteousness. On one hand, a simple and clear view that there is a reward laid up in Heaven for those who faithfully and joyfully long for their gathering to Christ. However, there is also the thought that the imputed righteousness of Christ is the crown. What an awesome culmination we long for when we will be glorified in the presence of Christ and enjoy His imputed righteousness for the rest of eternity. 

However, the meaning of the crown of righteousness is to be understood, there is certainly something of great joy to be anticipated. Paul encourages us to be faithful to Christ for the duration of our lives, while we long for His appearing. Paul motivates us, not with earthly treasures, but with the earnest longing for the righteousness of Christ. Every effort and obstacle that we engaged in during this life for Christ will be worth it all when we see Him. 

JUST A THOUGHT: May the earnest longing for the return of Christ be our motivation to greater dedication to Him.

Steven Ridings