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Are you familiar with the story about the aging missionary couple returning home on the same ship with President Teddy Roosevelt from a big-game expedition in Africa? They were discouraged because the President was getting all the fanfare and recognition on the ship as he returned home, yet no one celebrated or recognized this couple for the time they had spent in Africa, pouring out their lives as missionaries. They felt discouraged and forgotten as they got off the ship and slipped quietly into the crowd, while the crowd greeted the President's arrival with great praise, adoration, and celebration.
As you live the Christian life, have you ever felt like this couple? Unrecognized for the good work you have done? Discouraged because no one appreciates your efforts in living a godly life in an ungodly world? Frustrated because it seems those who live for themselves are recognized, applauded, and celebrated, while those who live for God aren't?
That is because you're not home yet. As Christians, the apostle Peter tells us we are " foreigners and aliens here"; strangers just passing through (I Peter 2:11). In other words, we are not to treat our time here on earth as our permanent home, because our real home is with God, and he has rewards waiting for us when we get there.
What kind of rewards? The Bible tells us about certain rewards, calling them ‘crowns’, that each of us will receive in the afterlife. We are promised a “crown of righteousness” (II Timothy 4:8); a “crown of life” (James 1:12; Revelation 2:10); and a “crown of glory” (1 Peter 5:4). We are even promised a new body to live in (1 Corinthians 15:35-58.
Four crowns and a new body when we get home. My, oh, my, what a homecoming!
Sharing the Word,
Jeaninne
Prayer: Father, when I feel unrecognized and unappreciated for the life I live for you, remind me of the rewards awaiting me when I get home. Amen.
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