The Blessed Will Receive the Crown of Life

The Blessed Will Receive the Crown of Life

James 1:12 (AMP)

Because we are children of God, we will be tested. We will experience trials and tribulations of all kinds; therefore, James says that we are to count it all joy (v.2) because we know that the trying of our faith works patience (v.3), and patience works perfection (v.4). Someone might ask, “Why should I suffer with joy? That’s an unfair expectation of me. Looking from a fleshy point of view, we don’t want trials; however, being that we are children of God “we are His heirs and joint heirs with Christ, sharing His spiritual blessing and inheritance; we also share in His suffering so that we may also share in His glory” (Romans 8:17, Amp Bible).

We expect to receive the crown of life. My nephew Nathan was a high school and college track star. When he ran, he understood that every runner tried their very best to win, but only one would win and receive the prize. Nathan never won a competition because he wished it. He prepared by disciplining himself and practicing self-control in all things. Paul says that every runner goes through this in order to win a crown that won’t last, but believers do it to receive an everlasting crown when Jesus comes back. So James declares that the one who is “steadfast under trial and perseveres when tempted” is “blessed.” Because when the child of God has passed the test and been approved, he will receive the [victor’s] crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Do you love the Lord? If so, when He comes back, you will receive the crown of life.