I did something last week that was a total blast! A bunch of us gals bought tickets for a girls’ night out and headed to Tulsa to see the Dancing with the Stars tour.
I loved every minute of it. My eyes were stuck like glue to the binoculars as I drank in every cha, cha, cha. Maybe I loved it because I’m a “wanna be” dancing star. It’s my mother’s fault. She enrolled me in hula lessons when I was five. I never worked it out of my system.
But something unexpected happened when we walked into the theater. I looked to the left, and there it was. BAM! …The MIRROR-BALL trophy! Wow! THE trophy! THE one shown on national TV. THE prize for the contestant who went the extra mile.
It made me think about what the Bible says about The Almighty’s mirror-ball trophy. Just like trophies, rings and plaques are given to sports heroes and winners in a dance contest, God is going to be doing the same in heaven. He will be granting trophies (called crowns) to certain followers of His who exercised noteworthy service to Him.
Friend, award day’s a coming! Our mirror-ball trophy sits on a shelf awaiting our future. I wonder how often we consider these mementos of honor. Just like the dancers knew what was required to earn this token of victory, are we aware of our part in receiving God’s token of victory?
The Bible describes five possible mirror-ball crowns that await us. Notice the five dazzling possibilities:
The Crown of Righteousness – This Mirror-Ball Trophy is bestowed to the believer who gave a concerted effort to do the right thing as best they could while waiting His return. Do we anticipate His appearing and desire to be right with God in all ways? (2 Timothy 4:7-8)
The Imperishable Crown –This Mirror-Ball Trophy is extended to the believer who remained unswerving in trials and ran the race of life with fortitude. Are we willing to make sacrifices of endurance in completing God’s mission? (1 Corinthians 9:24-25)
The Crown of Life – This Mirror-Ball Trophy is granted to those who underwent tribulations and severe suffering, even unto death: soldiers, policeman, or individuals fighting to save others’ lives. Are we willing to die for our faith or the benefit of someone else for Christ’s sake? (Revelation 2:10)
The Crown of Rejoicing – This Mirror-Ball Trophy is bequeathed to those who were instrumental in bringing salvation to others. God observes the heart when giving this crown. Are we willing to be available witnesses of the saving grace of Jesus? (1 Thessalonians 2:19)
The Crown of Glory – This Mirror-Ball Trophy is imparted to all who fed the flock of God: preachers, teachers, missionaries, and those in their respective calling. Are we teaching the Word of God to our families, ministries, communities? (1 Peter 5:4)
Friend, which crown awaits your excellence and maximum effort? I don’t know about you, but I need to get busy, but not for my own benefit. For upon receiving a mirror-ball trophy from God Himself, I will in return perform the long- awaited and eloquent dance of my entire lifetime and…”cast these crowns at His feet for the praise of His own glory.” (Revelation 4:10)
I can’t wait. My ballet shoes are ready!
