“For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?” — 1 Thessalonians 2:19 (NKJV)
Recently I heard the testimony of a professional hockey player who spoke about a teammate coming to faith in Christ. As exciting as victories, championships, and personal accomplishments can be, he made a remarkable statement: seeing his friend come to Christ meant more to him than winning a Stanley Cup.
That comment caused me to pause and reflect.
In a world that celebrates trophies, awards, promotions, and accomplishments, it is easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Success has its place. God often blesses us with opportunities to excel in our work, our ministry, and our pursuits. Yet every earthly achievement eventually fades. Banners come down. Records are broken. Careers end. Trophies collect dust.
But the souls of men and women are eternal.
The Apostle Paul understood this perspective. When he wrote to the believers in Thessalonica, he did not point to churches planted, sermons preached, or ministry accomplishments. Instead, he pointed to people whose lives had been changed by the gospel. They were his joy, his hope, and his crown of rejoicing.
As a former chaplain, I witnessed this truth firsthand. Chaplains teach, encourage, counsel, and provide opportunities for spiritual growth. Yet some of the most meaningful ministry often happens through relationships. A teammate shares his testimony. A friend answers questions about the gospel. A believer quietly lives out his faith in the locker room, on the job site, or around the dinner table.
God often uses ordinary conversations to accomplish extraordinary things.
I am reminded of Andrew in John’s Gospel. He did not preach to thousands like Peter. He simply brought people to Jesus. One of those people was his own brother. Andrew may not have received much attention, but heaven certainly noticed.
Perhaps that is one reason Jesus told His followers to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. The investments that matter most are often invisible to the world. A kind word. A gospel conversation. A faithful prayer. A life lived consistently before others. These are the things God uses to draw people to Himself.
The next time we are tempted to measure success by earthly standards, it would be wise to remember Paul’s words. Long after the trophies have tarnished and the applause has faded, the people whose lives were touched by the gospel will remain.
That is a crown worth pursuing.
Prayer
Father, thank You for reminding me that the things that matter most are eternal. Help me not to become consumed with earthly success while neglecting opportunities to point others to Christ. Give me a heart for people, courage to share the gospel, and wisdom to invest my life in things that will last forever. May I find my greatest joy not in personal accomplishments but in seeing others come to know and follow the Lord Jesus Christ. In His name I pray, Amen.
Reflection Questions
- How do I typically measure success in my life?
- What eternal investments am I making in the lives of others?
- Who has influenced me spiritually through their example and testimony?
- Is there someone God may be prompting me to encourage or share the gospel with?
- How can I keep an eternal perspective in the midst of everyday responsibilities?
Key Thought:
Championships, accomplishments, and recognition may last for a season, but people changed by the gospel are treasures that will endure for eternity.
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