Would you like a blessing? There is a blessing for those who endure temptation. James writes:
Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
Perseverance brings blessing. This sounds like Jesus when He was giving what we call the Beatitudes (blessings) from the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). In those pronouncements of blessing, Jesus didn’t give an all inclusive blessing list. Here in James we learn we can also be blessed as we endure temptation.
Temptation is one of the various trials (James 1:2) we face as Christians. As we keep on in faith all the way through temptation, we are approved by God, and we will be rewarded as the work of God in us is evident through our struggle with temptation.
It really is worth it to stay faithful and strong under the temptations we face because James says we will receive a crown of life. This is not a small incentive. Our steadfastness will be rewarded as we live out our love for Jesus by resisting temptation.
Don't quit. Don't back down. Keep running.
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