The Unfading Crown of Glory

The Unfading Crown of Glory

This crown is reserved for those elders who are examples to the flock. The only way to be an example to the flock is to live as a brother among brothers. You don’t get to know your brothers or gain a love and respect for them from the pulpit. You get this when you’re down in the midst of the flock. The unfading crown of glory is for those who can say from their heart, in Spirit and in truth, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” Foxes have holes and birds have nests, but the Son of Man had nowhere to lay His head. Follow Him with the same mind. Love human souls more than a lucrative vocation, more than dishonest gain and more than honor and power. Ultimately, love is the greatest power, and care is the best shepherd’s staff. Everyone needs help, but there are few helpers. The one who serves in small ways will grow, but the one who has demands will become dry and critical.

The people you have helped to make progress on the way will be your crown. They will be your crown of rejoicing on that day. As Paul says, “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For you are our glory and joy.” 1 Thess. 2:19-20.

The way you treat people is extremely significant. If God has appointed a person as a shepherd or overseer in a church, that person must not regard his position as a career or profession. Fighting over such matters has been the cause of so many divisions. People have sought their own and not the things that belong to Christ—the things that benefit the church. They have already received their reward. Peter exhorts us to walk in a completely different way so that we can receive the unfading crown of glory.