We often hear the lies from many false teachers of health, wealth, and prosperity. That if one bears the name of Christ money will fall from heaven and every earthly desire will miraculously be fulfilled, teaching that Christ is only a facilitator to the aspirations of men, that there is no cross to bear just a crown to wear. When Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness he offered Him all the kingdoms of this world if He would only bow down and worship him. Satan attempted to give the Lord a crown and keep Him from the cross. This same spirit of temptation has sent many souls into the fires of Hell. A wise man once told me, “You can either play now or pay later or pay now and play later”. It is either the cross now and the crown later, or the crown now and the cross later. Please do not misunderstand me; the Christian life is not misery here below. It is the best life one could ever have. However the true Christian is not at home nor will be truly happy until the day “when the chief shepherd shall appear”.  And for the one who bore our cross up Calvary it is our joy to bear the Cross of Christ. The temporal counterfeit earthly crown cannot compare to the “crown of glory that fadeth not away”. Its dreary diamonds are mounted upon fools gold that has no eternal value. How sad that millions of souls reject the free gift of Grace through Jesus Christ to have the crown of this sinful world. Remember, Jesus wore the crown of thorns before God “highly exalted him” (Philippians 2:9).

     In the eyes of the world Christianity is an odd thing. We give that we might gain, we bow to be lifted up, we lose that we might find, and die that we might live. Every good work will be rewarded. The Christian who bears his or her cross will surely receive a glorious crown in Heaven. We must understand that we are not saved by works, but salvation produces works. “Faith without works is dead.” (James 2:20). I conclude with the words of our Savior. “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.” (Matthew 16:24-27).
                                                                                                                                                     Josh Greene
                                                                                                                                                        9-13-09