12 10 08 Is It Worth It?

“Blessed is the man who keeps on going when times are hard. After he has come through them, he will receive a crown. The crown is life itself.
God has promised it to those who love him.”
(James 1:12 NIrV)


James speaks in very practical terms. He is very short and to the point. Listen more…talk less…Don’t have the answers? Ask God…Are you a Christian? Show me…Think you’re religious? Care for people in need…and so on.

So when dealing with the question IS IT WORTH IT to follow Christ, James has one reply: blessings! God promises abundant life to those who keep the faith and persevere. Heaven is well worth the struggles, sacrifices, and the wait. I realize that at times things seem to go on forever, yet God promises eternity with Him beyond our imagination. Though we won’t experience heaven until we get there, we get a glimpse of it as we honor God and follow His lead here on earth.

A child’s smile when they figure out a homework problem…a mother’s joy in receiving a Thanksgiving meal…the laughter of dozens of kids sharing joys of Christmas they might not have had…joy-filled eyes…innocent hugs…hand-colored pictures and scribbled notes of affection… IS IT WORTH IT?

“All who take part in the games train hard. 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 NIrV)

We work so hard and sacrifice so much for our jobs to provide for our families. When we were younger, we would practice long hours and go through grueling training to compete in sports. Even as we grow older, we find ourselves competing to look younger, stay stronger, and remain healthy. I don’t have to mention those of us guilty of competing with the Jones’…maybe those days are over! IS IT WORTH IT?

Better yet, why won’t we compete as hard for Christ and His plans for us? Why do we give up so easily? Why do we sell ourselves short? Rewards on this earth are temporary, yet we pursue them with all get-out. Let’s pursue the things of Christ with even more fervor. His crown will not rust or tarnish. Treasures I heaven will await our arrival. The celebration banquet is a feast to beat all feasts! IS IT WORTH IT?

Don’t give up…real life awaits those who believe and live promises of God!