When Lyndsey and I moved a few times ago, I found a box full of old trophies. These were mostly soccer trophies and some debate (no participation trophies!). Each one carried with it a remarkable memory of battles won, friendships formed, and knowledge gained. But, those trophies were in a box for a reason. They represent accomplishments from my past and aren’t worth anything to anyone else. Whether you received awards from sports, debate, band, theatre, or any other type of activity that gave out trophies, there is one prize worth more than all of the earthly awards combined. It is the crown of glory that each follower of Christ receives when they leave this earth for the heavenly. That is the goal for which we strive, fight, and press on. It is guaranteed for us, not by our work, but by our faith in the work of Christ. So, why does Paul press on toward it if he’s going to receive it anyway? Why do we still do work here if our salvation ticket is punched? Great questions. Simply put, God has prepared works for us to do here, and we want to be faithful. We don’t work to save ourselves, but we work because we are saved! All to the glory of God.
Philippians 3:14: “I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”
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Photo by Giorgio Trovato on Unsplash
Scott Maxon 