Last week our discussion was about “Seeking the Crown”. Continuing those thoughts it is important that all who desire to wear the “Crown of Righteousness”, must see they must obey God, by following His will. “And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully” (2 Tim. 2:5). The Bible is God’s word, and in it one finds the instructions on how to be pleasing to God. Today mankind is living in the “last days” or the Christian age. To be pleasing to God man does not have to offer the blood sacrifices as did the children of Israel (Heb. 10:4).

Man is to present himself as the sacrifice (Rom. 12:1, 2). One must give themself to God. First, in obeying the gospel, by having faith that Jesus is the Son of God, turning from sins, confessing Jesus as God’s Son before men, and being baptized for the remission of sins. Secondly, one must continue to give themselves. Look back again at the words of Paul, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Rom. 12:1, 2). Paul was begging the Christians to realize they must give themselves to God continually, and not to be as the world.

That same lesson is important for mankind to follow today.

The “Crown of Righteousness” is obtainable, but it takes effort. Some will say it only takes believing in God to attain the crown. God’s word teaches that it takes more than just believing in God.

“Nevertheless, among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God” (John 12:42). Just as the chief rulers had to do more than just believe so must man today.

James talked about those who believe.

He wrote, “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe and tremble” (James 2:19). He went on to show in the context of the chapter that belief and works go hand in hand.

Some have rejected the writings of James, but the scriptures do not lie.

This crown that is offered by God is obtainable. When one realizes the need to obey God and keep His commandments, they see it can be done. Some think it is to difficult a task, but it is not. God wants the best for everyone and would never ask more of man than man can do. Temptation comes to all men, but God provides a way for man to overcome (1 Cor. 10:13). What all must see is that God truly wants all men to obtain the crown. God loves all men and wants all men to be saved (1 Tim. 2:4).