Crazy Money! The Swoosh of Rewards

It’s Crazy Money Day! 

In 1971, Phil Knight asked a graphic design student to create a logo for his new shoe company. Carolyn Davidson needed cash for her art classes. She came up with the Nike swoosh and billed him $35 for 17 hours of work. In 1983, 4 years after the company went public, she was honored at a reception. Knight gave her a gold ring set with a diamond in the shape of the Swoosh and an envelope containing 500 shares of Nike stock. That stock is now worth several million dollars. Davidson’s journey shows how recognition sometimes takes time. In her case, she was rewarded by a company that was grateful.

We may not know the extent of our work or experience any recognition until our life on earth has ended. The Apostle Paul encourages us in Galatians 6: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we don’t give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”

And then in Colossians 3, he said, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Recognition may not “swoosh” in immediately, but our hope is in eternal rewards!

Now, I’m excited to invite you to join us in beautiful Knoxville, Tennessee, September the 10th through the 12th. We want to celebrate all that God has done through Crown over the last 50 years. Learn more at crown.org/50years.