Spiritual Strength For Each Day
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:7-8).
Here the condition for receiving the crown of righteousness is named: keeping the faith. We do not have to hold on to our faith, however, but to the object of our faith, and that is Jesus Christ Himself. When everything visible collapses, He remains. Cling to Him under all circumstances, even when the storm rages, so that you can say at the end of your life, “I have kept the faith.”
The second condition for receiving the crown of righteousness is to love His appearing; this means to watch for the return of Jesus with great longing and increasing desire. Do you desire Him? This is the best proof that you belong to Him and are living in sanctification. Would you be glad if Jesus came today? Say “Amen” with all your heart if you love His appearing. He will come soon.
