‘Tis the season for graduations. For the last 25 years or so, I’ve been going to graduations around this time of the year. This year is no exception. Every year I get to witness a chapter in life closing and another chapter beginning for these graduates. 
However, there will come a day when we will graduate from this life. And we will be rewarded according to what we have done. But there is a very important difference between the reward we will receive at the end of our lives from all other awards. 
The earthly awards are given out according to what we deserve. Just today, we had an award ceremony at our school. Students are recognized for what they have achieved – the highest GPA, the most volunteered hours, the most brilliant contribution to class, etc. However, in heaven, it will NOT be so. We will not be awarded according to what we deserve but what Christ has earned for us. 
Even if we have done good deeds, it would only count if we have done them as a reflection of and reliance upon the finished work of Christ on the cross. So that in the end, it will be Christ who will be honored and not us. 
“…the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast down their crowns before the throne, saying, ‘Worthy are you, our Lord and God,to receive glory and honor and power,for you created all things,and by your will they existed and were created.'”Revelation 4:10-11
How did these elders receive their crowns? Because they were faithful unto death (Rev. 2:10). But who gave them the faith? Jesus! (Hebrews 12:2)
These elders recognize that all credit goes to Jesus and that’s why they are casting their crowns at the feet of Jesus… 
Your graduation from life is coming. I want you to be rewarded handsomely. Rely on God for everything, for only what we have done for Christ lasts!
PH