Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
Why do we receive the crown of life? Is it something that we earn? Is it something that we can earn?
James’ letter stands out as unique in the New Testament. James presents a “no-nonsense” approach to believing in Jesus. But remember, James himself is unique.
No other New Testament writer grew up with Jesus in the same family. No other writer knew Jesus as a child. No other writer gave Jesus such a hard time when he was alive – before his resurrection. James carries a special perspective on Jesus and a special kind of guilt for his past behavior.
James also writes from a Jewish perspective. We must never forget this! Paul was the Apostle to the Gentiles (Romans 11: 13, Galatians 2: 8) and his writing reflects that mission. James is speaking to his fellow Jews. The Jews are steeped in a “works mentality” from birth. Every waking moment engages the mind in a constant evaluation of what a person should do. Wants are measured against a backdrop of what their religion says that they must do.
Belief in Jesus as the Messiah, the Chosen One of God, is difficult from a Jewish perspective. Jesus was not what they expected. God, it turns out, is a radically different Being than thousands of years of Jewish theology had come to expect.
When we look at what James has written, he is talking about the blessings of perseverance. Certainly, the one who perseveres under trial brings more honor and glory to God than the one who fails to persevere. Yet Jesus promises life to all who believe (John 3: 16). Salvation is not dependent on our works. If it is, we don’t need a Savior after all.
Application: Strive to persevere under all kinds of trials, but never lose sight of the fact that our salvation depends on the work Jesus did on the cross, not on us.
Food for Thought: How does knowing Jesus has already paid the price for our salvation affect a person’s willingness and ability to persevere under trial?
It means our motivation is love for our Lord. Personally, I find love much more of a powerful motivator than guilt. Guilt is motivating for a short period of time, but love has staying power as a motivator.
So to use a gas station analogy, guilt is a kind of fossil fuel that keeps running out, and the love that never stops is Son Powered.
🙂
Good analogy brother.
Same as Rich, service out of duty or love is a stronger service.