Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones were twenty-four elders, clothed in white garments, with golden crowns on their heads. (Revelation 4:4).

Each year several prizes are awarded to the people who have contributed greatly in their own fields. Oscar awards are granted in film industry; golden book awards are given to great bestsellers; distinguished teaching awards of course honor superior teaching. The winners’ achievements attract much attention from the people around them or even the public. Their life stories could turn into another bestseller or even a blockbuster. They indeed deserve our respect. But as I turn away from those “honorable and respectful” people and look at those who tend to be ignored or pitiful persons, I have been thinking to myself, “how does God look at both?”

A friend of mine has been leading a prayer group for a long while and now she even commits herself to the whole time ministry. Years ago while she was leading a praying meeting she saw a vision that one of the sisters in the group had a crown on her head and the rest of the sisters surrounded the sister with the crown. That sister was a housewife taking care of two children; one of the children was physically disabled and mentally retarded. She was faithful and hardly complained to God as far as I know. Now the sister has finished her seminary courses and serves the Lord.

Who deserves a crown from God and is seated on the throne? Only the One who awards knows. In that day as Christ returns we all must give account to him. We could be renowned in this world, but unknown in His kingdom.