The Christian Life Is Not for Wimps
Have you ever tried to talk someone into doing a job? When you’re anxious to recruit someone, it’s tempting to make it sound easier than it really is. The problem with that approach is that when the recruit starts doing the job and realizes what it involves, he might just quit.
Two thousand years ago, Jesus became flesh and lived among us. He did this for two main reasons. The ultimate motivation was so he could die for our sins. “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness.” (1 Peter 2:24)
But he also came to show us the Father and teach us how we should live. One of his best known lessons on how to live was the Sermon on the Mount. When he taught the crowds on that mountainside, one thing he certainly did NOT do was soft sell what it would to be like to live as his disciple. Of course, everything he told them applies to us as well.
Let’s just look at just four of the difficult things Jesus told us would be expected of us if we are to be his followers. To save space, I’ll summarize each passage from Matthew 5 below (but you should read it for yourself):
5:11 If you decide to live the Christian life, people are going to treat you badly.
5:21-22 You need to control your anger. Don’t lose your temper with others.
5:38-42 Don’t get revenge or be concerned about your rights.
5:43-48 Don’t just love those who love you; love your enemies, too!
Living the Christian life isn’t easy. You need to know that. As Jesus taught in one of his parables, you need to count the cost.
Now here’s the good news: The Christian life is the only life worth living. No matter how difficult it is, the joy we’ll have living with God forever will make any troubles we had here seem like nothing.
“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” (2 Corinthians 4:17)
Most people I know actually enjoy being challenged. And I think the Christian life is exactly what many people are looking for. It’s challenging and it’s difficult, but the rewards are out of this world!