"Blessed is a man who perseveres under
trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which
the Lord has promised to those who love Him." (James 1:12)
"This reward could be called the lover's crown.
"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 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 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 own life. "For whoever wishes to save his life (live for self) shall lose it; but whoever loses his 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).
Lord God, please deepen my love for You, not for the reward, but because You are worthy. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
(From : Bible Foundation Course Lesson 07-02)
