Our own planning for our eternal future, compared to God’s plan … how similar or how different is it?

Whatever season of life you may find yourself in … please take a moment to consider the context of Paul’s life and his reflections as he recognized his time on this earth was coming to an end.

He says here in 2 Timothy 4:6-8,

“As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.”

Can we possibly imagine having a similar sense of fulfillment and contentment and satisfaction that Paul had when we look back on how the Lord used us for His glory … as well as looking forward to the Crown of Righteousness when Jesus returns?!

The Crown of Righteousness is promised to ALL who love the Lord and who eagerly wait for His return!

Does the evidence of the choices we make and how we live out our day-to-day lives point more to pursuing ‘earthly crowns,’ or like Paul do we base all our decisions on God’s promises?

There’s only two clear Biblical eternal outcomes predicated on whether we pursue earthly or righteous crowns during our lifetime based upon what Paul says here in Philippians 3:19-20:

“They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth. But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior.”