Do you want to be happy, spiritually prosperous, and favored by God? Also, would you like to receive the Crown of Life? Wouldn’t that be wonderful? It is possible. But there are stipulations to qualify for being blessed and for receiving the Crown of Life. James explains:
“Blessed [happy, spiritually prosperous, favored by God] is the man who is steadfast under trial and perseveres when tempted; for when he has passed the test and been approved, he will receive the [victor’s] crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him” (James 1:12, Amplified Bible).
Jesus said that everyone will experience trouble sooner or later (John 16:33). We want to be better, stronger, and wiser when trouble ends than we were before it began. We do not want our suffering to be in vain! James lists four stipulations we must meet to be victorious over life’s tribulations and to receive the Crown of Life:
- When trials come, do not run. Be unwavering and committed to God’s way and will. Decide to see this thing to the end. I always say, “I do not want to go around this mountain again.” Be steadfast under trial.
- Do not yield to Satan’s tricks. He will tell you that you do not deserve hard times; you are the child of the KING. Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44). Do not believe him. “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7, ESV). Persevere when tempted.
- Position yourself to be rewarded. “But He knows the way I take; When He has tried me, I shall come forth as pure gold” (Job 23:10). For when he has passed the test and been approved, he will receive the [victor’s] crown of life.
- Love the Lord completely. “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind: (Luke 10:27). [T]he Lord has promised [the crown of life] to those who love Him”
What is this crown of life? Some scholars say it is not a golden, tangible crown, but it is a better life here on earth; and they quote Jesus, “The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows]” (John 10:10, Amplified Bible).
I am reminded of Job. He lost his herds, his servants were killed, his children were killed, his friends misunderstood him, sores broke out all over his body, and his wife told him to curse God and die. But he went through the trial loving God. Job passed the test, was approved by God, and received double for his trouble. If the above scholars are correct, Job’s latter life is an example of someone receiving the Crown of Life here on earth.
The whole world is experiencing tremendous emotional, physical, mental, and financial stress during this pandemic. When we go through troubling times with God’s approval, we will be blessed [happy, spiritually prosperous, favored by God], which some say is the Crown of Life. Hallelujah!
Would you like to experience God’s favor for the rest of your life; no matter what is going on in the world? Are you willing to meet the stipulations to qualify? Join the conversation.
This is a GREAT read and Charge to forge on in the times pressing on us now! Thank you Dr. Haire!!!
Rev. Peals, thank you so much for joining the conversation.
Dr. Haire thank you for your message on the 4 stipulations.
I praise God for bringing me through
my trials, remembering to to submit to God in all hard my times, blessing me, and with all of the above I love Him so much! Lord, thank you every morning for crowning me in my life.
I praise God with you, Anonymous. He is sooo faithful.
Yes I want the Crown of Life! I want to continue to experience the favor of God. I’m willing to meet the stipulations.
Thank Dr. Haire for sharing this wisdom.
Dr. Haire,
What a timely Word for these challenging times. Thank you for sharing.
O. Harris, you are welcome.
Ola Sheppard, I want the crown of life too. Favor with God is everything.
Dr. Haire , thank you for reminding us to stay focused on God during times like this. Job is a good example of someone staying focused and trusting God. I needed this!
Adriene, when I first read Job I had mixed emotions. After many years walking with God I have come to understand that God is with His children – no matter what it looks like. You are so right – we need to stay focused.
Welcome, Pastor Adriene Boyd. Thank you for joining the conversation.
This is a great reminder of the crown of life which is a better life here on earth as well as how James gives us practical applications which is to be steadfast under trial and persevere when tempted.
LitRita, I am so happy that you are studying The Book of James with me. He teaches best practices for victorious living.
Amen. I timely view for a time such as this!
Pastor Wilma, I am excited that you are studying the Book of James with us and are willing to share your wisdom.
Thank you so much Dr.Hair for reminding us to stay focus especially during this time. Yes I want the crown of life, God’s favor and any & everything He has for me. Glory to God this was a really good one
Sandra Wayne, thank you for being a subscriber.
This should serve as a reminder to focus on the Lord! No matter what is going on around us, seek the Lord and know that He is in control.
Hi, Bernice Wilson. You would think that the church would not need a reminder to stay focused on the Lord, but we do. Thank you for pointing this out. I appreciate you joining the conversation.
Yes I want the Crown of Life! The more I surrender to God’s stipulations, the more I receive God’s favor.
Amen, Bernard Hunter, amen!
How do you justify 4 stipulations when God is no respecter of persons?
Anonymous, thank you for your question. I would be happy to continue this discussion with you if you would be willing to identify yourself. In the meantime I direct you to 2 Chronicles 7:14, 1 John 1:9, and Romans 10:9-10 for examples of GOD listing requirements/stipulations/ actions man must take before receiving a particular blessing from GOD. GOD is not a respecter of persons. EVERYBODY must meet the stipulation GOD sets before mankind.
Dr. Haire, this is very informative and encouraging; a timely word. Blessings
Dr. Long, thank you for joining the conversation. We look forward to you sharing your wisdom with us.
This is a most timely word. Oftentimes, when trouble comes, escaping all of its stressors seem like a likely avenue. However, without those stressors, the proper emotional growth may not occur. This could lead to a setup of having to go through that same trial over again–thus going around the mountain instead of up the mountain. Therefore, in order to grow, we must complete the process.