Enough Crowns For All

There are shortages in every earthly thing. Economic reality places limits on all resources. Even time, attention and concern are limited. Solomon lamented, “I have seen all the works which have been done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and striving after wind. What is crooked cannot be straightened, and what is lacking cannot be counted.” (Eccl 1:14,15)

But in the realm of heaven and its economy, there will be no shortages of any kind—not even of precious things like crowns. While few on earth get to wear a crown, the apostle Paul, though he was nearing death, looked forward to brighter days, saying, “In the future there is laid up 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 loved His appearing” (2 Tim. 4:8). 

In a similar way, the book of James (1:12) tells us, “Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”

For those who love the Lord, heaven has crowns for all: a crown of righteousness, a crown of life. And for this victory crown, my getting one, or your getting one, will not crowd anyone else out or take their crown away. These awards are not presented on a medal stand for only a few who have beaten out and conquered their rivals, or who have bested their friends, so they can get a reward that few are able to obtain. 

Indeed, there’s no need of, nor any place for, rivalry and competition—rather think of these as being given at a family gathering where our loving Father has made room and reward for all.