The Crown of Life

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Mar 18, 1897

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 23, No. 11.

The Crown of Life

The “championship of the world,” from a pugilistic point of view, is just now attracting much attention. To use a world’s expression, this is “much ado about nothing.” At best it is but a “corruptible crown,” which only one man at a time can wear, and that a very uncertain length of time. A far better trophy is the “prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:14); for “when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away” (1 Peter 5:4). The champion athlete wins his temporary corruptible laurels through skill and endurance; so the candidate for heavenly honors must be skilful and diligent and enduring: “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth.” 2 Tim. 2:15. “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” James 1:12.