“God
blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will
receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”
James 1:12
Here we find some key words that I’d
like to focus on. They are patiently endure and crown of life. We’re dealing with God’s promises and
whenever we find a promise we find that He will bless those who do as the Word
instructs. To patiently endure is not very easy at times. In the original Greek language the words testing and temptation have the same
meaning as trials. So the first portion of this verse actually
means that if you go thru your life effectively dealing with and overcoming the
trials that will most assuredly buffet you, you will find yourself blessed of
God. Some trials will be long, severe and demanding; that’s why we are told to patiently endure. Anyone can give up, but it is the earnest
believer in Christ that straps himself to the mast during the fiercest storms
of life who will when tested come out the other end a better person then when
they entered into the trial.
There are two thoughts on the term crown of life. Eschatology is the study of final things;
such as, death, the destiny of humanity, the Second Coming, or the Last Judgment.1
So eschatologically speaking, the crown
of life would pertain to our life after death. The Greeks also saw it as this life only as God originally
intended it in the Garden of Eden.
Whichever it truly happens to be, we will be rewarded for our diligence
in serving the Lord thru the darkest trials of life.
Do you love the Lord with all your
heart, soul, mind and spirit? Live for
Him no matter what clouds darken your days.
He has brought the darkness so that the light within you would dispel it
and allow you to grow spiritually in the face of it. Until next time, walk with the King and be a
blessing!
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