February 14
The Crown
of Righteousness
2 Timothy 4:8
Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
Daily Steps
Many new believers struggle with a sense of worthiness, feeling that they must constantly strive to earn God's approval. While this verse speaks of an eternal reward, it anchors our present peace in the concept of imputed righteousness—a crucial identity concept.
The "crown of righteousness" isn't awarded because we successfully became perfectly righteous on our own. It is awarded by the "righteous Judge" to those "in Christ."
In the eyes of God, your identity is not defined by your flawed actions, but by the perfect righteousness of Jesus, which is credited to your account the moment you believe. You are not trying to be righteous; you are righteous in Him.
This truth provides profound peace. Your acceptance is not based on your performance, which is always shaky, but on the finished work of Christ, which is complete and perfect. You are already wearing a spiritual crown of righteousness, purchased by Him and permanently secured by the Judge Himself.
Reflective Question
If you truly accept that you possess a "crown of righteousness" given by God, how does that shift your focus from seeking approval from people to resting in God's award?
Prayer
Lord, thank You for the incredible gift of righteousness. I confess that I often try to earn what You have already given freely.
Help me to grasp that my identity is found in the crown of righteousness purchased by Christ.
May the assurance of this perfect worthiness bring me complete peace and rest today. Amen.
