Receiving the imperishable crown of life is the ultimate goal for every true believer, just as each person begins any of life’s endeavours with a clear objective in mind.
In the race of life, we wake up each day with an ambition to accomplish something in different disciplines. Either in family life, professional pursuits or spiritual growth, every individual is driven by the motivation to achieve their goals or objectives. Beyond these larger goals, we also strive to meet our daily needs of feeding ourselves, commuting to our destinations, learning a trade to earn a living, enrolling in courses to gain knowledge, or building a family to experience love, belonging, and the gift of procreation. These among others are the motivation behind the tasks we undertake each day.
The Imperishable Crown of Life Bible Meanings
It is worth noting that our walk in life must be centered on one ultimate goal – receiving the imperishable CROWN OF LIFE. This imperishable crown of life is the eternal reward promised by our Lord Jesus. All other blessings or rewards we receive along the way serve to affirm God’s faithfulness. They remind us to rely on Him for our sustenance and provision – but they are not the ultimate aim.
The imperishable crown of life is received when a believer finally departs from his earthly body to be with the Lord, having remained steadfast in faith despite trials, challenges and oppositions. In 2 Timothy 4:7-8 Apostle Paul after fulfilling his God given purpose declared:
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day.”
Similarly, in Revelation 2:10, Jesus admonished his followers to “…be faithful even unto death…” promising that they would receive the Crown of Life. He did not mention rewards such as money, fame, children, a spouse or a good job but rather, pointed to the ultimate reward, the Crown of life.
While these earthly blessings are important for daily living and are classified as our needs, Christ assured us of something greater, the Crown of Life, which remains the ultimate goal.
In James 1:12, Scripture states:
“Blessed is the one who endures temptation, for when he has been approved, he will receive the crow of life which the good lord promises those who love him.”
Likewise, 1 Peter 1: 6-9 reminds us that the end of our faith is the salvation of our souls, not wealth, fame, or earthly possessions. The salvation of our souls is, therefore, the ultimate outcome of true faith.
Apostle Paul again recounted in 1 Corinthians 9:25-27,
“Every man that strives for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we an imperishable crown”
Actionable Steps: Keeping Your Eye on the Prize
- Push Toward the Ultimate Aim: The ultimate aim of the Apostle Paul was to lay hold of the eternal, imperishable crown eventually. We serve God to reveal His nature, tender mercies and compassion followed by an ultimate reception of the Crown of Life through death or rapture. In Mathew 6:25-34, Jesus reminded us that life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. This suggests that, there is something far greater to live for and even to die for. Paul echoed this truth in Philippians 1: 21, saying:
“For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
2. Live for the Prize: The gain is being with the Lord Jesus and receiving the everlasting Crown of Life, one that never fades or becomes obsolete. In our earthly pursuits, we often face distractions and challenges including poor health, financial struggles, insecurity, conflict, unemployment, and bereavement. Yet, we are encouraged to keep our focus on the ultimate goal: receiving the Crown of Life amid life’s temporary hardships. Bitterness, jealousy, pride, revenge and living to impress others are all vanity like the flower of the grass that withers. As Ecclesiastes 12:7 says, The spirit returns to God who gave it and the dust return to earth as it was.
- 3. Think on the Prize: As you rise each day to pursue your goals, remember this truth: no one man has power over their breadth or over the day of death. Death shows no respect for titles, wealth, fame, or influence. No matter who we are or what we own, our lives are like a mist—appearing for a moment and then vanishing. One day, we will leave this earth without notice, and the world will continue on without us, regardless of our status or achievements. Therefore, set your heart on the ultimate goal: the Crown of Life, which is secured through faith in Christ Jesus. To receive the Crown of Life, the requirement is simple yet profound, receive Jesus as your savior, submit to His Lordship and walk in him. For, as Acts 17:28 declares, “In him we live and move and have our being.”
Reflections
Time is of essence and the clock keeps ticking. When it comes to salvation, time is the scarcest resource. Your life is but a mist that appears for a little while and thereafter disappears (James 4:14). Death is not a respecter of titles, properties, fame and affluence. Your life is likened to a mist and you will one day depart from the earth unannounced. The world will move on without you regardless of your earthly status and achievement.
Aim at the ultimate goal which is the crown of life guaranteed in Christ Jesus.
By: John Manasseh & Merz
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