WEDNESDAY November 13, 2019
Our Treasured Crowns
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.
James 1:12
The Apostle James told believers that they must persevere and endure in their trials. Christians need to mature and have a good attitude when tested. If they do not persevere, they will not go on to mature and finish what God has planned for them to do. As believers grow to maturity, they will be complete––lacking nothing (James 1:4). Christians should come to a place in their lives when they are solely trusting in Jesus Christ and what He is completing in their lives.
Those Christians who overcome the trials and temptations of this life will, in the end, be rewarded. God will be the One to approve and reward them. James’ encouragement to believers was to persevere under trials because there was a promise of them receiving the crown of life. Who receives the crown of life? It will be those who love the Lord and have endured trials.
The Bible mentions four other crowns that can be given to believers. The incorruptible crown will be given to those who live a life of self-denial and overcome temptation (1 Corinthians 9:25). Mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 2:19, is the crown of rejoicing; it is given to those who are soul winners. Those who love the Lord’s appearing will receive thecrown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8).
Another crown is reserved for those who are faithful pastors–– thecrown of glory:…when the Chief Shepherd appears, you [those who shepherd the flock of God] will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away (1 Peter 5:4). All these crowns are eternal rewards that are stored in heaven.
Imagine, in heaven, the Lord will be the One to hand out the crowns to us.
There are no crown-bearers in heaven that were not cross-bearers here below.
~C.H. Spurgeon~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!