James 1:1-18 Triumph Over Trials
As we begin our journey through the book of James we see the need in our lives to triumph over various trials. James starts out his book with the idea of taking on trials with joy. Even though that is terribly difficult to apply to your life it is necessary and doable with Christ.
However overcoming various trials in your life does have its own spiritual reward. James 1:12 “Blessed is the man that endures temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life.” The crown of life is not a physical crown as we would think of it, but it is a spiritual idea and concept based off of the wreath crowns that Olympians would win during the ancient Olympic Games. This is God’s reward for believers who faithfully endure trials. I believe that all our motivation for serving God should be because of our love of God and not for any kind of spiritual reward. It is a beautiful picture to know that God will reward us for trying to live a life completely for God. Even though our struggle against our own flesh and spiritual wickedness we can claim our victory in Christ.
By Pastor Thor