“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”
~James‬ â€1:12‬ â€ESV‬
Comment:
We often think of trials as something we should try to avoid at all costs. The very thought of having to encounter painful situations is repellent to us. We don’t want pain. We prefer comfort.
Well, James says that those who remain steadfast under trials for the sake of Christ actually gain honor in God’s sight. The more steadfast we are in our faith, the more assurance and confidence we can have that we will receive our eternal crown of life.
But we must always be on guard that pride in our steadfastness doesn’t get in the way of focusing on God. It is completely possible for us to become prideful in our work and draw attention to our endurance and our piety that we take the focus from our true source.
Don’t let yourself become that way! Keep your eyes, mind, and heart focused wholly on Jesus and ask Him to keep you from entering that self-focused state!
~Lily
