There are five crowns available to pursue.
Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in 1st Corinthians chapter 9:
24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.
25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an incorruptible (imperishable) crown.
This crown is also called the Victor’s Crown and is awarded for self-control and having victory over the flesh.
And in 1st Thessalonians chapter 2:
19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?
20 For you are our glory and joy.
This crown is awarded for fruitful labor for the Lord in the lives of others. This is the soul winner’s crown, the winning of the saved to the Kingdom.
James wrote by The Holy Spirit in James chapter 1:
12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who Love Him.
Jesus Himself spoke of this crown in Revelation chapter 2:
10 Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
The Crown of Life is for those who have persevered, endured trials, and even faced death, and yet still remain faithful.
Peter wrote by The Holy Spirit in 1st Peter chapter 5:
2 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly;
3 nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock;
4 and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.
This crown is for those who have shepherded and tended the flock and yearned to see them grow. These have the heart of Christ.
Paul wrote of the fifth crown in 2nd Timothy chapter 4:
7 I have fought an excellent fight. I have finished my full course with all my might and I’ve kept my heart full of faith.
8 There’s a crown of righteousness waiting in Heaven for me, and I know that my Lord will reward me on His day of righteous judgment. And this crown is not only waiting for me, but for all who Love and long for His unveiling.
This last crown is for those who radiate Christ’s Life in all they do. They live His Life, do His Will, and Love His appearing.
As believers, we are to strive to obtain all of these crowns, not just one. These are FATHER’S tangible expressions of His approval. Consequently, our sole ambition should be to labor, strive, and make it our aim to be well pleasing to God. Every seed we sow, every word we speak, and every deed we do is “banked” with God and will one day spring up in a wonderful harvest of works. As written earlier, every act of the present is registered in Heaven.
The Beloved Disciple recorded by The Holy Spirit in Revelation chapter 21:
5 Then He Who sat on the Throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these Words are true and faithful.”
6 And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts.
7 He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.
8 But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”