Revelation 3:20
Among those with worldly wealth, one man did not submit his name for the contest because he was not confident of his ability to win and receive the prize. Another, inspired by the hope of victory, but who did not work, diet, and exercise appropriately, remained unrewarded and frustrated. Therefore, don’t let the wealthy consider themselves excluded from the Savior’s lists at the outset, provided they are believers and contemplate the greatness of God’s generosity.
Don’t let them expect to gain the crowns of eternal life without struggle and effort, training or challenge. Instead, let them put themselves under the Word as their trainer and Christ as the official of the contest. For their prescribed food and drink, let them have the New Testament of the Lord; for exercises, the commandments; and for elegance and adornment, the beauty of love, faith, hope, knowledge of the truth, gentleness, humility, compassion, and dignity.
Then, when the last trumpet signals the race and departure from the stadium of life, they may, with good consciences, present themselves victorious to the Judge who gives the rewards. They will be worthy of their heavenly Fatherland, to which they will return with crowns and the praise of angels.
—Clement of Alexandria
Readings taken from Day by Day with the Early Church Fathers
Among those with worldly wealth, one man did not submit his name for the contest because he was not confident of his ability to win and receive the prize. Another, inspired by the hope of victory, but who did not work, diet, and exercise appropriately, remained unrewarded and frustrated. Therefore, don’t let the wealthy consider themselves excluded from the Savior’s lists at the outset, provided they are believers and contemplate the greatness of God’s generosity.
Don’t let them expect to gain the crowns of eternal life without struggle and effort, training or challenge. Instead, let them put themselves under the Word as their trainer and Christ as the official of the contest. For their prescribed food and drink, let them have the New Testament of the Lord; for exercises, the commandments; and for elegance and adornment, the beauty of love, faith, hope, knowledge of the truth, gentleness, humility, compassion, and dignity.
Then, when the last trumpet signals the race and departure from the stadium of life, they may, with good consciences, present themselves victorious to the Judge who gives the rewards. They will be worthy of their heavenly Fatherland, to which they will return with crowns and the praise of angels.
—Clement of Alexandria
Readings taken from Day by Day with the Early Church Fathers
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