Receiving the Crown is a Motivation - 11/26/2023

An important characteristic of the Christian is the ability to persevere when faced with various trials. As a motivation for holding fast to one’s faith in Christ, God has promised to “those who love Him” a “crown of life” (James 1:12).

Constant attacks on one’s faith can be discouraging. Pressure to give up on the Christian walk could come because of our economic and social status. However, James wants to reassure his readers that if we will endure to the end, we will be rewarded. We will receive the crown of life.

As a result of asking for and receiving God’s wisdom in dealing with various trials, Christians can apply God’s wisdom to help us endure to the end and receive the victor’s wreath. Although the journey may be long, the faithful can arrive at our destination if we will keep our eye on receiving the crown. Written like a proverb, this statement summarizes what has been said and as an introduction to what will be said about the consequences of not overcoming the temptations to do evil.

The lesson to be learned from this verse is for the Christian to receive the “crown of life,” we must not only be willing, but actually must continue in our efforts regardless of the difficulties or oppositions we may face. We must look at it as a continuous, day to day effort and not a one-time achievement.

Generally speaking, we must be motivated by some prize or goal if we are going to remain firm in our belief, determination and adherence to a cause or idea. This is especially true when it comes to the teachings and application of the teachings of Jesus.

Since God made us, He knows what will motivate us to be faithful to Him. He knew that we needed the prize as a motivation.

While some would say, and they would be correct, that we should be faithful to God because we “love Him,” God knows that cannot be the only driving force. God knows Christians need a reason to be roused to action.

The “crown of life” is a figure of speech indicating the Christian will be in heaven with God. In order for this motivation to be effective, this “crown of life” must become real to us. The desire for it will inspire us to be faithful to God the remaining days of our life.

As Christians, we must have the fullest of confidence that God will give us this promised “crown of life.” By constantly putting forth the effort to persevere and maintaining a constant eye on this “crown,” we will be motivated to be daily living God’s way. - cgm

Scriptural quotations from the NASB1995.