The Crowns Are Yet to Come

By Paul Chappell

"For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."

2 Timothy 4:6-8

Of all the memorials and monuments that have great meaning to our nation, perhaps the most solemn is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. There lie the remains of one unknown soldier in a place of respect that is dedicated to all soldiers who have given their lives in our past wars but could not be identified. An honor guard keeps watch day and night as a symbol of our gratitude for their sacrifice. Inscribed on the tomb are these words: "Here rests in honored glory an American Soldier known but to God."

Sometimes we may wonder if anyone notices, appreciates or even realizes what we are doing. Elijah felt that way when he was standing for right against Ahab and Jezebel. He told God, "I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away" (1 Kings 19:10). Of course Elijah was wrong—God had thousands of other faithful servants. But even if he had been right and there had been no one else following God, Elijah still could and should have done so.

There will be a day in the future when all of our efforts, all of our labors, all of our sacrifices made in service for God will be remembered and rewarded. Whether anyone on this earth ever knows your name, you can be sure that God sees all that you have done and will greet you with the words, "Well done" (Matthew 25:21).

Today's Rooted Principle:

Don’t be discouraged if it seems that no one notices your labors. One day God will give crowns of glory to those who love and serve Him.