James 1:12
"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial; for once they has been approved, they will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him."
The words that follow are directly from my study Bible, The Open Bible, NASB.
This reward could be called the lover's crown. Upon examination of the above verse, we discover that the believer finds strength to overcome temptation and endure trials, through the love of God. Paul said, " We also exult in our tribulations." The question is: Do we today exult in our tribulations? We can, only if the "love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit." (Romans 5:3-5).Without the love of God in the heart of the believer, trials can cause him/her to become bitter and critical and lose the "crown of life."
All believers have eternal life (John 3:15-16), but not all believers will be rewarded with the "crown of life." This crown will be given to those who are "faithful until death" (Revelation 2:10). To receive the "crown of life," the believer must love the Lord more than his/her own life. "For whoever wishes to save his/her life (live for self) shall lose it; but whoever loses his/her life for My sake and the gospel's (live for Christ at all cost) shall save it" (Mark 8:35). This reward will be given to those who live for Christ, and endure temptations, in the power of the love of God (1 Corinthians 10:13).
I Corinthians 9:24-27 goes on to describe The Wreath Imperishable.
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These words above, from my study Bible, take on a slightly different meaning for me than they did when I first read them, many years ago. Our culture in the United States has been changing rapidly, especially in the last year. The cost to publicly claim oneself a Christian is higher than it was a year ago. Choosing to worship in a church building or in a group outside, with a mask vs without a mask are all decisions we didn't have to make a year ago. Some are choosing to worship in small groups in homes or in isolation, alone in their home. We, as individuals, have to make decisions on where we align on political issues such as abortion and more. Our Christian culture and society is definitely changing. What will we do in response?
Regardless of our current and ever changing society, will you wear your crown?
Regardless of the trials you are going through, will you wear your crown?
Regardless of who stands with you or if you stand alone, will you wear your crown?
When the bullies attack and knock off your crown, will you put it back on and stand up tall?
If you are willing, please pray for each reader who reads this. We all need prayer to persevere under the trials we are currently going through and the trials that are yet to come. We all need the conviction to stand firm in what we believe. We all need prayer.
If you are unsure about what you believe or if you are not sure of your salvation, please speak to your pastor or a Christian friend or send me a message. Don't go one more day without knowing whether or not you would go to Heaven if you died. Salvation is available to all who believe, confess their sins, repent (turn away from sin) and accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
If you are able to form a small group of friends in order to read, memorize scripture and discuss scripture with, I encourage you to do so. Find your crew. Get accountable. Pray for one another. You will be so glad you did. Psalm 119:11 "Thy word I have treasured in my heart that I may not sin against Thee."
My friends, Stand firm. Stand tall, knowing you are a child of God and an heiress. Stand strong, holding onto the Word of God. Stand confident and wear your Crown with dignity.
James 1:12
"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial; for once they has been approved, they will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him."
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