Before we can take up the crown of glory, we need to first take up the crown of thorns.

The thorns represent piercing every thought and belief system that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, so that we come alive to and walk in the thoughts and ways of our Father.

Dying to self means dying to our thoughts, being the root of our ways, and coming alive to the thoughts of God. So that His thoughts may produce fruit after their own kind. Which is the fruit of His ways.

We need the word of God to pierce every thought system that, like the viper that raised its head against the hand of Paul, raises its head against the loving hand of God the Father perfecting that which concerns us (Psalm 138:8).

Which is to die to depending on self, and coming alive to depending on God. For is there not great freedom and joy in such a freedom? And does the word of God not say that the truth shall set us free? Which is the freedom of casting all our care on Him: “casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” (‭‭I Peter‬ ‭5:7‬).

For after we have suffered for while, by piercing every thought, He will perfect, establish, strengthen and settle us. Which is to settle upon us the crown of glory. “But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (I Peter‬ ‭5:10-11).‬ ‬‬