The Crown of Life
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. ––James 1:12
Crowns are interesting things, especially for men who grew up in non-monarchial nations (like the US). I mean, I get it for friends across the Pond who live with monarchs (the UK, Denmark, Monaco, Sweden, etc.). Even though those kings and queens are mostly ceremonial, I think it’s easier for Europeans to relate to crowns than us Yanks. Our strongest connection is through dramas like Braveheart (Edward the Longshanks, Robert the Bruce) The King (Timothée Chalamet as Henry V), and The Crown (Elizabeth II played brilliantly by Claire Foy, Olivia Colman, and Imelda Staunton).
God’s Word mentions crowns a couple of times, and there’s some debate to what they represent. The first mention in James (above) says that those who have “stood the test” will receive a crown of life. The second reference is in Revelation, in a message to the church in Smyrna:
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 life as your victor’s crown. ––Revelation 2:10
So we know that the crown of life (or victor’s crown) is given to those who 1) endure suffering, and 2) persevere and are faithful. Men of God, this is good news for brothers who stand firm in the faith even as trials assault them. Our character isn’t determined by how materially successful we are, but by how we face and handle the stress-points and traumas of life. Do we turn to Christ and depend on Him in trails? As Paul says, “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever” (1 Corinthians 9:25-27).
Gentlemen, who wants to enter heaven and have a crown given to him? I know I do. Run the race as Paul encourages us to—when we face hard times and stay on God’s narrow path, God sees. It’s not easy to stay the course in the midst of pain, but it’s worth it.
Father, may I endure the race and finish in a way that pleases You.