Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. (2 Timothy 4 v 8)
Rather than competing for a gold medal, the athletes of Paul's day competed for a laurel crown. It is the heavenly crown that makes all the pain and sacrifice worth it for the Christian—our glorious future, which makes any pain in the present more than worthwhile. In the Olympics, one person gets the gold medal: in God's family, everyone who trusts and loves Jesus, longing for His return, will receive the crown of righteousness.
Martin Cole was a staff writer at The Good Book Company for many years working on Discover and Engage. He now works for a children's charity. Martin is married to Kirsty and has two children. He is a passionate lifelong supporter of Chesterfield FC.
