The Crown of Life
Along with millions around the world, I have been watching some of the Olympics the last couple weeks.
Swimming and diving, gymnastics, and track are some of my favorites. I've never been very athletic - I hated phys ed class in school - so I love watching these champions of sports. Triumphs and letdowns. Hopes and disappointments. Success and failures. Cheers and tears. It's all been there. It's been amazing to watch!
I've thought of the thousands of hours of training that have gone into the performances of the athletes. They have sacrificed lots of things in order to accomplish reaching the top levels of their sports. It's required great discipline, and lots of hard work. Their success has not come easily.
As I've watched all this and reflected on it, it has reminded me a lot of our Christian walk. Many of the same principles apply, and we face some of the same ups and downs. We have good days and bad days. We are victorious, and we sin and fail. We step out in faith, and we have some disappointments. We have some tears along the way. Our walk with the Lord requires discipline, and even sacrifice at times.
But, unlike the Olympics, we ALL receive a reward - an eternity with our loving Savior. Greater than any medal around our neck, any trophy, any certificate - we will hear the Lord say "well done, good and faithful servant." What a glorious reward that will be! We have much to look forward to.
"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him." James 1:12
"Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven." Matthew 5:12
"His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.' " Matthew 25:21
"I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:14
I am challenged afresh to learn and grow and walk in God's ways. My race is still ongoing, and I want to finish well. I can't do it alone, so I'm immensely grateful that the Lord walks beside me day by day. He is so faithful!
About the Author: Sally McClung is a member of the All Nations International Leadership Team and is co-founder of All Nations. Her husband, Floyd McClung, was a world-renown missions leader. Floyd went to be with Jesus in 2021. He is the author of 16 books, including the best-selling books, “The Father Heart of God” and “Living on the Devil’s Doorstep.”
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