The everlasting crown

Uganda Vision for Africa 6.8.2017

THE EVERLASTING CROWN

- 2 Corinthians 9: 24-25

"24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 

25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever."

By the grace of God we get to run the race, and at the end receive an everlasting crown- the crown of salvation and eternity in the kingdom. 

But how can we complete the race and have the prize?

-Romans 12: 1-21

I think these verses in Romans chapter 12 describe the winning road to the prize:

1. to be a living sacrifice- (verses: 1-2) 

Offer your heart, your life and your body as a living, holy, don`t walk according to the acts of the world but be a pleasing sacrifice for God, this way you will be able to fulfill God`s will in your life, as you are holy before him, he has the room and his ways are better, good and perfect.

2. Humble service in the Body of Christ- (verses 3-8)

You are part of the Body of Christ, be humble, don`t think of yourself more mighty then you ought. for the body of christ is built of many members and everyone has a rule in the function of the body, but not everyone has the same rule of functioning, and your rule is your calling from God, so serve with humble and respect toward others and remember that you are an important part of a bigger picture including other important parts. 

3. Love in action- (verses 9-21)

Love must be sincere, without any pretense. Hate evil and cling to what is good, what is from God. be devoted to others and honor other above yourself, do not be lazy, or lacking in zeal for your feet will stumble running. Keep rejoicing in christ with spiritual favor serve the Lord, be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer and spread the word of God for the need, the hungry and the thirsty. 

Bless and pray for those who persecute you. Rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn, this is love in action. 

Do not be proud but be willing to associate with people of low position, do not conceited. 

Be careful and seek what is right in the eyes of God. 

Be kind, turn the other cheek, do not repay evil for evil, live in peace with everyone and do not revenge, God will take care. 

If your enemy is hungry feed him, if thirsty give him something to drink, just like Jesus would have done. 

Overcome the evil with the good of God. 

Another important part of completing the race to receive the prize is FULFILL GODS CALLING IN YOUR LIFE. 

I heard a powerful word by John Bevere and he said something that left me speechless because this is in fact, TRUE:

"We will not be judged by what we did, but we will be judged according to what we did not do."

God will judge you according to what he commanded you to do but you did not do, when he called you to his calling!

Today as you read this post I encourage you to check your heart before God: are you settling down or running your race according to Gods word in Romans 12? are you running in your calling toward your prize?  RUN TOWRD YOUR EVERLASTING CROWN, the crown that will never ever die or fade away. 

-Colossians 3: 12-17 

"Therefor, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering. bearing with one another, and forgiving one another , if anyone has complaint against another, even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. and let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body. and be thankful. let the word of God dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word of deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."