The “crown of righteousness” is not given for much service or for great sacrifices, but for Christ-like character. The crown is in reality the efflorescence of the life itself, its bursting into glory and beauty, and is not something else, however brilliant, prepared and brought and set upon the head. The crown of righteousness is righteousness in character, blossoming into heavenly radiance under the smile of God. Let us not forget that tireless activity is not enough to win this crown; that heroic struggle is not enough. We must be holy, sanctified in our moral nature, righteous in life and character. It is not what we do that is crowned, but what we are.