In Matthew 6:33, Jesus tells us to, "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."  As such, pursuing the righteousness of Christ is the call that has been placed on every Christ-follower's life; not only are we to prepare ourselves for the future coming of the Kingdom, but we are to live out these values for the glorification of the coming King, today.

The working out of our salvation happens in the details of our everyday life experiences, where we are challenged to choose God over wealth and faith over worry; and successfully walking out our Christian life requires that we lay aside our earthly concerns, and fully commit ourselves to concentrate on Him, receiving our reward in heaven. But what reward?

The Bible tells us that among these rewards, five Crowns await us in heaven:

1. The Crown of Righteousness for our longing for the return of Jesus.
2. The Victor's Crown for self-discipline in living out the Christian life.
3. The Crown of Rejoicing for responding to the Great Commission in leading others to Christ.
4. The Crown of Glory for faithfully shepherding those whose lives Christ has entrusted us to care for.
5. The Crown of Life for enduring trials, temptations, and persecution for the sake of Christ; even if to the point of death.

Although we cannot say for sure what it will be like to enter into the kingdom or what our reward will be, we can be assured that none can compare to our coming into the presence of the Lord Himself and the splendor of seeing our Lord face to face for all eternity.  How then, do we as broken people successfully navigate our Christian walk and receive our heavenly reward?

The author of Hebrews urges us to, "lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and run with endurance the race that is set before us..." (Hebrews 12:1).  This collection of words holds three very important action-steps Christians are to take: first, we are to lay aside anything that holds us back from pursuing a righteous relationship with Christ, second, we are to turn away from the sin in our life that binds us, and lastly, we are to never give up, always pressing forward toward our reward in heaven.

​As we put our burgers on the grill and lather on our sunscreen today, please take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of Memorial Day by remembering the fallen men and women who served our Country fighting for our Freedom. In addition to those who have given their lives, also remember those who have lost so much in battle, yet find the strength and perseverance to continue fighting in new ways for their Country. In honor of this, I would like to share with you the inspiring story Sgt. 1st Class Roy Mitchell, who I believe is the quintessential example of an American Soldier.

In 2003, while deployed in Afghanistan, Sgt. Mitchell was on patrol when his vehicle was struck by an anti-tank mine. He suffered the loss of his left leg, 3rd degree burns over 40% of his right leg, a shattered elbow, a shattered jaw, stress fractures throughout his face, the loss of several teeth, and shrapnel wounds.

Despite his injuries, Sgt. Mitchell was committed to remain an active-duty soldier and is now a Combat Team Career Counselor. As an infantry squad leader on the battlefield, Sgt. Mitchell was responsible for making sure the needs, wants and desires of his team of Soldiers were being met. Now, as an active-duty Career Counselor he does the same by ensuring the quality of life for Soldiers and their Families – off the battlefield. He cites helping Soldiers and their families as making Army career worthwhile. But that’s only half of Sgt. Mitchell’s incredible story thriving despite challenge.

Even though he faces intense physical pain and debilitating challenges, Sgt. Mitchell participates in many sporting events. He has even ridden his specially designed “hand-cycle” in a 300-mile race from the Adirondack Mountains to the Finger Lakes. He also plays golf, snow-ski’s, coaches the softball teams at his base – Fort Drum, and his church. He says that his motivation is to forge new roads, and open up opportunities that were not open before. In addition to his work as a Career Counselor, Sgt. Mitchell also takes time to visit with injured Soldiers, encouraging them in their fight for physical and mental survival from their injuries.

Sgt. Mitchell does not allow his disabilities to hold him back, but it is physically exhausting walking with his prosthetic and rolling his wheelchair for long periods of time. In 2008, Sgt. Mitchell was presented with a Segway transporter by the non-profit group Segs4Vets, which will provide a greater quality of life for him and his family, and make it easier for him to continue serving other injured Soldiers.

So as you go about your day, remember our fallen and remember our injured; and remember Sgt. Mitchell’s commitment to his Country, his family and to himself.  It is an inspiring example of what our Nation’s Armed Forces represent. Thank a Vet –  today, and everyday.

Be safe and always persevere.

This post originally published May 25, 2009