Is Following Christ HARD?
Is Christianity difficult or could it be that the righteousness of His Kingdom Philosophy doesn’t grant us leave to do as we’d like to do? Our flesh desires one thing and fights viciously to have it and our Spirit stands erect, unwavering in its TRUTH; which leaves our soul, the part of us that this fight is about in the first place.
I’ve been taught that we are born in sin and shaped in iniquity (Psalms 51:5); however, I’ve read, “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things have passed away, behold all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). This means that as Christians we should have a new mentality, a new philosophy, a new way of looking at and responding to situations. So, in this fight between good and evil, right and wrong; it is the choices we make daily that defines our walk and speaks volumes of our convictions and our own personal truths.
Are we confessing Christ with our mouths; yet, our hearts be far from Him or are we those who tearfully long for satisfaction but only if it comes from Him, so we die daily to our fleshly desires, denying ourselves to pick up our cross and follow Christ? Yes, we do hurt, we are wounded, we cry; yet, we know that we are better for having stood in the place of righteousness and not ourselves alone, but every person connected with the decisions we make in those moments. For the greater good of all, one may have to sacrifice and a soul, group, or family is saved, a reputation goes unscathed and all remains right in the eyes of many.
So, what of the one who sacrificed, the one who’s wounded and broken, bleeding profusely inside? Does that person go unnoticed, without help? Of course not, God is there for and with them. He heals, loves, strengthens and repairs them; He honors them secretly and publicly for their righteous acts. So, waver not in your convictions, continue to stand and do all things to the glory of God. Remember that your Father who sees what you go through privately will reward you openly. (Matt. 6:6; Matt 6:16-18; Psalms 34:15-18)
The question remains, “Is Christianity hard”? Well, I’ve always believed the answer to be “no”; but I admit, it is sometimes a challenge to do the right thing, especially when the temptation comes in the form of your greatest desire. It is then that we must pray and refocus our attentions back to God. We are to do as the Psalmist said, “Delight thyself also in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalms 37:4). We must exchange our lustful desires and allow God to give us HIS desires for us, in our hearts. In this, we won’t miss Him, falling victim to sin.
Ponder this… His desires for us when manifested, will bless us far greater than anything we can imagine and the brief satisfaction obtained in the flesh will never match the consequences attached to our disobedience and blatant disregard for His will. Scripture teaches us, “The blessings of the Lord makes one rich and adds no sorrow to it” (Proverbs 10:22). Were you to get what you want or desire; would everyone connected to it be as blessed as you or would sorrow, heartbreak and pain accompany your victory? As Christians, we are to consider the hearts of others in this journey, even as our Savior considered us. True unconditional love, “Love on the Highest Degree” is not selfish; it makes us consider others above ourselves. Christianity is not hard; but, our choices in some situations aren’t always easy.
I admonish you to keep God first in every situation; it is too easy to allow the enemy room to wreak havoc in your life and the lives of those around you. Denying flesh and self now, sets us up to receive God’s Best on a different level than we’d have experienced if we were to have our own way. Our will can never surpass His will, nor can it come near the reward He has for them that diligently seek Him. Answers to every question, joy, peace and directions to every path are found in Him and when He is found, His reward is with Him. Psalms 16:11 puts it this way: “You will show me the path of life; in your presence is fullness of joy; and at thy right hand are pleasures forever”.
So why wouldn’t you obey?
~Debra P. Declouet
The blessing of the Lord makes one rich and He adds no sorrow with it.
Proverbs 10:22
Posted By: Debra P. Declouet
Friday, October 24th 2008 at 7:23PM
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