July 22


From 5 to 50: Valuing a Faithful Life


Be faithful, even if you have to die, and I will give you the crown of life.

Revelation 2:10 (NCV)


About two years ago, we started sponsoring Ruth, a young Haitian and one of eight children orphaned when mom and dad died from AIDS. She wasn’t quite six-years old when she shared this prayer request—that she would be faithful to Jesus all the days of her life. Wow.

I pray this prayer for Ruth every day and whenever I can, I pray it for friends and family, and for myself. Think about this promise. Not everyone who gets to heaven will be rewarded (II Cor. 5:10), but you and I will be—if we remain faithful. If we listen to Jesus’ words and take them seriously, if we really, truly love God with all our heart, strength, mind and souls and love our neighbors as ourselves. If we listen and do as He says, He lavishes a reward beyond description. There is a crown! The crown of life is yours, it’s mine ... if we remain faithful.


Lord, as hard as it is sometimes, help us to persevere in faithfulness by loving You and by loving others. Help us we pray. Amen.