During the GES national conference this May, we will be hosting a Vacation Bible School (VBS) for kids. The theme is “The Crowns in the Kingdom.” Over the week, the kids will learn about the importance of the doctrine of rewards and about the five crowns mentioned in the NT. Of course, these crowns are not just for children, and the doctrine of rewards is for all ages.
In two previous blogs, I discussed the first two crowns the children will study (the crown of life and the crown of righteousness; SEE HERE AND HERE). The third crown the kids will learn about is the imperishable crown. It is also known as the incorruptible crown.
We learn about this crown in 1 Cor 9:24-27, where Paul compares the Christian life to a race. He talks about the athletes of his day who competed for crowns in games held near Corinth. A very close parallel would be the Olympics of our day. Olympic athletes compete for gold, silver, and bronze medals.
Paul makes a connection between the athletes in those games and the Christian life. He writes:
They do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.
The games Paul had in mind were the Isthmus Games. They were held every two years. The athletes who competed in those games would train for years, just like modern-day Olympic athletes. The reward for winning was a crown made of wood and leaves. Athletes worked hard to obtain these crowns because of the honor bestowed upon their recipients. However, Paul reminded the Corinthians that those crowns were temporary. Eventually, the leaves would fade away, and the wood would rot.
Paul says that believers are also like athletes who look for a crown. But it is a different kind of crown: It will never fade away.
Eternal salvation is not a race you win by effort. Eternal life is received by faith alone. Paul is not talking about that in 1 Corinthians 9. He speaks of running a race. Running a race, especially if one wants to do well, requires effort and discipline. Even children understand that concept. They learn it when they run races with their friends on the playground.
Paul is talking about receiving a crown—a reward. It will require discipline, focus, and perseverance. He even points out that he could become disqualified (1 Cor 9:27). Obviously, Paul was not worried about going to the lake of fire. He was concerned that he would be disqualified from receiving this crown or reward. All believers will be in the kingdom, but not all believers will wear this crown.
At VBS, the theme color for this crown is green, symbolizing growth and endurance. We will hold races, talk about training, and discuss what it means to not run aimlessly. The wise believer lives his life with a purpose. He is in a race. He wants to hear the Lord’s praise and to receive this crown from Him.
The big idea for this lesson is:
“God cares about finishing faithfully—not being the fastest.”
This crown is not given for starting the race, and it is not given for running faster, but for running well. We should not compare ourselves to others. The imperishable crown reminds children and adults that the way we live our lives will have an eternal impact that will not fade away.
