Gary Field
DC# M05398
Dorm E1-103
Century C.I.
Century, FL
32535

THE 5 CROWNS

In most of man's endeavors,
There are treasures, awards and prizes.
Steps, ladders, goals and levers,
By which he measures how he rises.

There are Oscars for the movies,
And Tonys for the stage.
Grammies, for the music world,
That all serve as a gauge.

Pulitzers for writers,
Awards for scientists.
Peace awards for those who rise
By being humanists.

There are honorary doctorates,
Fellowships and grants.
Coronets and Baronets,
In England and in France.

World Cups and Olympic Gold,
Pennants, banners, and flags.
All prizes you can hold,
That get your picture in the mags.

But a warehouse full of trophies,
And a truckload of awards,
Statues and biographies,
And other such rewards.

One day will lose their luster,
Begin to tarnish and rust.
One day even their duster
Will simply return to dust.

What I am about say may surprise,
Or even seem a bit abrupt -
But there's another kind of prize,
And a crown that won't corrupt.

Heroes and heads of state,
May not even make this list.
Wealthy folks with vast estates,
May also just be dismissed.

Although works can't earn our salvation,
Once saved - they can earn our rewards.
As we overcome tribulation,
It's the mark that we're pressing towards.

An incorruptible crown for temperance
And for exhibiting self-control.
Bringing the flesh into obedience,
Of the spirit - and cleansing the soul.

The crown of life is for bearing your cross,
With faith - it's a daily sacrifice.
Learning to rejoice in the face of loss,
And for knowing God's grace will suffice.

A crown of rejoicing for winning souls,
For personal evangelism.
For taking part in the great commission,
Shining God's love - as if through a prism.

The crown of glory for feeding the flock,
With the nourishing word of the Lord.
Helping them to plant their feet upon the rock.
And teaching them about his "Sword".

The Crown of righteousness will belong,
To those who love his appearing -
And I'll tell you, friend, it won't be long,
It's so clear that the time is nearing.

Decked out in white robes and gowns,
As the heavenly angels sing -
The saints of God will lay their crowns,
At the foot of the throne of the King.

We race not for some corruptible crown,
And not for the praise of men -
And once won, we'll gladly lay them down,
To hear, "Well done, my good and faithful friend."

Our "hopes" are not like other men's.
Once saved - our priorities shift,
We look at life through another lens -
And salvation's our greatest gift.

In all of our endeavors,
What we seek as the highest prize -
Is to always do whatever's
Seen as best - in the master's eyes.

Our crowns are incorruptible,
And the glory is not our own.
Our "treasure" is not bankruptable,
For the riches that we have known -

All begin and end,
At the foot of the master's throne.

Incorruptible Crown I Cor. 9:24-27
The Crown of Life James 1:12
The Crown of Rejoicing Thess 2:19-20
The Crown of Righteousness II Tim 4:5-8
The Crown of Glory Peter 5:2-4

Gary Field
www.betweenthebars.org/blogs/1398

Printed by Freddie Lee Haliburton, Sr.