Wearing The Crown

Romans 8:16-17

  "The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.  Now if we are children, then we are heirs- heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."

Lately I have had the chance to spend a little time with a princess of sorts...Miss Brainerd. I am 

not here to talk about her, but rather what I have noticed in the few interactions we have had. When she has her crown on, well, people really take notice.  There is just something about a crown that causes people to stop, and even desire to spend a little time in your company!  For us, being a child of the King of kings, we are called to the wearing of a crown and to be clothed in fine garments.  How are we to do that, you might ask?  For starters we could turn our minds to the attitudes, behaviors, and physical appearance of what we know of royalty, and then parallel that with what we know of a child of God.

The life of royalty...think poise, esteem, and adhering to a certain standard of living.  A person of such royal lineage surrounds themselves with those of similar standing.  Granted there is usually a level of pride going on there, and I am most certainly not suggesting we follow that model exactly, but rather that we see ourselves as heirs of God who are to surround themselves with others heirs of God.  "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers.  For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common?  Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?"2Cor. 6:14.  It is easy for anyone surrounded by others with different standards to lose sight of that which they believe, even more so for a child of God in a dark world!  Yet, we do not want to take on an air of pride that we are better than others, for we are placed in this world to be a light to the darkness around us.  We need to keep our feet firmly planted so that we are able to be in the world, but not of the world.

How about that crown, and fine clothing?  I know we are all awaiting this part=)  The robes of splendor and the jewels beyond compare...God desires us to behave as though we are wearing a crown(Isaiah 61:3) and fine linens.  How different do you think you would feel towards yourself if you had a crown and luxurious garments on?  Would you carry yourself with shame, embarrassment, or confidence?  God does not desire that we look upon ourselves,(that which He created and said was "Good") and insult Him with our self loathing and constant put downs.  He desires that we carry ourselves in a manner that says God did create something good, and I can put self aside and share it with others!  Our crown of beauty is not to come in physical form but "it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight".  1 Peter 3:4  I love knowing that the world's pressure of outward stuff, is just not of great value in God's sight!  Let's not forget our fine clothing!  I can think of a few examples of what we are to be clothed in, and I know there are several more.  We are commanded to put on the full armor of God(okay maybe we have stepped from royalty, to royal workers but hang with me a minute), in Ephesians 6.  The belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, feet that are fitted with the gospel of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God, and finally to PRAY.  Whew!  I feel ready and definitely armed for battle.  What battle are we fighting?  The one against light and darkness.  Each and every day we are afflicted in some sort of way to hold tight to that which is right.  And we are to stand firm.  Now, getting back to the royal clothing...after we are armored up, and in right focus, how could we not experience or exude the outpouring of the fruits of the Spirit?  Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.(Galatians 5:22,23)  That to me is to be our fine garments.  That which is displayed to those around us, that which causes others to Stop..Listen..and Desire to be in our company.  

Praise belongs to God alone who is the King of kings and has chosen us to be His heirs.  I pray that we daily desire and embrace the honor of Wearing the Crown!