Overcoming and the crown of life

Did anyone wake up this morning asking, “I wonder where I can get involved in a traffic jam?” Or, “I wonder why I haven’t had any bad news or tooth ache lately?” Sound thinking, mentally healthy people avoid pain and naturally move toward comfort.

Both James and John address the extraordinary discipline required to properly override the natural man’s desire to avoid suffering and endure discomfort faithfully. James says, “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” (1:12) And, John adds these words of Jesus, “These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. I know your afflictions and your poverty — yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Revelation 1:8-10) The reason for suffering, peril, affliction and poverty in each context is the Faith.

In another place the church is called to remember past hardships as a way of coping with present challenges, Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering. Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. (Hebrews 10:32-34)

James first, and then John who quotes Jesus verbatim, assure us that a “crown of life” will be awarded to those who persevere. The writer of the letter to the Hebrews reminds us of “better and lasting possessions.” There is something for which we ought to persevere, doggedly pursue at any cost!

Are we about to look for a really terrible experience today? Are we eager to be persecuted or even be misunderstood? No! But, before we forfeit the promised crown of life, let us remember what all who persevere will enjoy forever!

I hope you avoid all the traffic jams in your city today! And, may you never have another tooth ache!