Debra K. Johnson writes about the time her 7-year-old daughter wanted to take violin lessons. She took her daughter to a music store to rent an instrument. Hoping that the young girl would understand the importance of making a commitment to practice, Debra explained to her that the music lessons would be expensive. She was willing to make the financial sacrifices if her daughter promised to work hard. “There may be times you’ll feel like giving up,” Debra said, “but I want you to hang in there and keep on trying.”

She nodded in understanding and then in a serious voice said, “It will be just like marriage, right Mom?”

Or just like following Jesus.

“…Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown”—Revelation 2:10.