How can you argue with the quote above by Charles Spurgeon? Crown wearers and cross bearers have a direct correlation. You can’t have one without the other. If you were not a cross bearer on this earth, you will not be a crown wearer in Heaven. You can’t be a crown wearer in Heaven if you were not a cross bearer on this earth.
Jesus said if you don’t pick up your cross and follow Him, then you are not worthy of Him! (Matthew 10:38). Jesus also said that if you find your life, you will lose it (Matthew 10:39). When God saves us in His great love and wonderful mercy, then we have life. The Holy Spirit dwells inside you and you have everlasting life from that moment on. But by the same token you “lose” your life. You lose your self will. You become so grateful that God saved you from your sins and from the wrath to come, that you willingly surrender your life fully to Jesus. You exchange your will for His.
God starts sanctifying you from the first moment that He saves you. The Holy Spirit starts convicting you that the pleasures of sin you once dove head first into are no longer acceptable. You can’t quit those things on your own, but by the grace of God through the Holy Spirit you can. You take every thought captive and bring it to Jesus Christ our Lord (2 Corinthians 10:5).
Jesus said if you love Me, keep My commandments (John 14:21). You deny yourself, pick up your cross and follow Him. This is on a daily basis; on a moment by moment basis. Jesus also said that He did not come to bring peace, but a sword (Matthew 10:34). He told us that we will suffer ridicule and persecution for His sake (Matthew 24:9-10). But thank God we have victory in Jesus. Jesus Christ our Lord rose victorious over the grave!
Follow Jesus Christ at all cost. Let nothing separate you from the love of our Lord and Savior. Leonard Ravenhill used to say, “Don’t let anyone steal your crown.” All Christians will stand at the Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10). This judgment will be for the rewards for faithful believers. There will be a different judgment for unbelievers (Revelation 20:11-15).
Have you truly been converted? Has God taken away your heart of stone and given you a heart of flesh? Do you share your faith in Christ with others? Do you help the poor and proclaim the Good News to them? Do you help the widows and orphans? Is your walk with Jesus real? Do you live your life for Him? Do you proclaim or deny Christ to others?
At the Judgment Seat of Christ will you hear these words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant?” I agree with Spurgeon, be a cross bearer now and then you’ll be a crown wearer for eternity. Enthusiastically casting your crown at the feet of the Savior when you bow to Him in His presence. All praise, honor and glory belong to God!