Trophies and Crowns

 

Trophies and crowns have always been symbols of human achievement and honor. Whether it's a golden cup or a crown on the head of a newly crowned monarch, these items speak of value and significance.

A trophy is an emblem of triumph often earned after great effort, it gives a sense of accomplishment and recognition. A crown, though more commonly associated with royalty and inherited power, is also a symbol of dignity, authority, and honor. It distinguishes a king from his subjects and is a visible sign of status and reverence.

Both trophies and crowns are often made from precious metals such as gold and are adorned with rare gems to enhance their beauty and symbolic worth. Coronation crowns, in particular, are rarely worn; they are kept secure, only brought out for the most significant ceremonial moments. Those who receive such symbols often display them proudly and guard them closely.

But here’s the deeper question: what do these “crowns” represent in our personal lives? In many ways, they mirror the things we take pride in—our possessions, titles, accomplishments, talents, awards, and appearances. These are the modern day crowns and trophies we tend to showcase and protect. At times, we even base our relevance or identity on them. They boost our confidence, elevate our status, and sometimes make us the envy of others.

However, in the book of Revelation 4:10–11, we encounter a profound moment. The twenty-four elders around the throne of God each wore golden crowns, symbols of victory and reward. But instead of holding on to these crowns, they cast them before the throne, bowing in worship and surrender. This act wasn’t just symbolic—it was a declaration that God alone is worthy of glory, honor, and power.

Casting Our Crowns: A Heart Posture of Worship and Surrender

The elders’ willingness to lay down their crowns reminds us that everything we have, every reward, success, achievement, ultimately comes from God and belongs to Him. Casting down our crowns is the ultimate act of worship, humility, and surrender.

The apostle Paul expressed this same posture in Philippians 3:7–9 (MSG):

“The very credentials these people are waving around as something special, I’m tearing up and throwing out with the trash—along with everything else I used to take credit for. And why? Because of Christ...”

Paul, once proud of his religious status and accomplishments, came to realize that none of it compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. Everything he once valued, he was now willing to lay down.

Are there crowns of self-made success, recognition, or pride in your life that you’re still holding on to? Are your trophies displayed to glorify God or to glorify self? Casting your crown before God doesn’t mean denying your achievements; it means recognizing the Source behind them and saying He is more important to you than anything else.

Action for the week

As believers, we are in this world but not of it. Our worth is not defined by what we wear, own, or accomplish, but by the One who calls us His own. So, this new week and beyond, let our worship go beyond mere words. Let it be reflected in the way we lay down our trophies and crowns in worship before the One who truly deserves it all.

The songwriter summed this up perfectly - “All thrones and dominions, all powers and positions, Your name stands above them all!!”

XOXO