" For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men." 2 Corinthians 8:21
This was originally posted over a year ago. I have been a dedicated Christian for just over 5 years. It is still hard!! Someone told me once that I "binge Jesus". The statement struck a chord and ticked me off, on days like today I go back to that statement and wonder if it's true...
Then I have to remember God's word, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers and authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavily realms." (Epheseians 6:12)
"For what do righteousness have in common with wickedness? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?" (2 Corinthians 6:14)
"Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts [anger, defeat, sexual immorality, drama, tv shows, music, books...] which wage war against the soul." (1 Peter 2:11)
It hits you like a brick wall.
Reality
The reality of being a Christian is hard. Jesus tells his disciples more than one that there is a cost to follow him.
Luke 9:57 starts one scene where a man declares that he will follow Jesus wherever he goes! Jesus responds by telling him that foxes have holes and birds have nests but those who follow him have no place to rest their head.
Luke 14:25 starts his next teaching where he tells them your love for your family must look like hate compared to your love for me. A very quoted verse is found in this mix, verse 27 says that a man must take up his cross daily in order to follow Jesus. When we see a cross we see freedom, because of Jesus has done. When Jesus said this a cross looked completely different. A cross meant a very brutal and agonizingly painful death!
He goes on to tell a story of a man who wants to build a tower. He explains how in order for the man to build the tower he has to set down, figure out how much it will cost and then look at himself to see if he has enough to build it. Jesus says the man has to "count the cost." He uses the same story line to tell about a king who wants to go to war...he has to "count the cost."
In verse 33 Jesus says "In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple." He ends this at the end of verse 35 by saying "He who has ears let him hear."
Jesus has been telling us from the get go that being a Christian is not easy!! Jesus says that we must count the cost!! He uses the Parable of the Rich Young Ruler as another example. We have to be willing to give up EVERYTHING, our jobs, our money, our contentment, our friends, our family, even our spouses and children! He tells us, count the cost! He who has ears let him hear --- make sure you really hear me!! COUNT THE COST!!! Do you really want to follow me?! Are you really willing?!
For us it may be the physical of giving up our homes to go live in a foreign place and plant a church or go live an evangelistic life. For the rest of us it might be that God is asking you not to blow up at your spouse for lying to you. Don't leave your spouse because they had an affair or have an addiction to some substance or another, no matter how legal it is! It might be loving your children even though you do not agree with the discussions they're making! You might have to forgive someone who hurt you and let your pride be put to shame! You might have to be laughed at, picked on or talked about. The Bible tells us that there will be a time when Christians will face persecution again.
It is hard to be a Christian. But it is extremely worth it!! No other lifestyle can give you the same peace when your whole world turns up-side-down. No other lifestyle can give you grace enough and strength enough to give others grace. No other lifestyle can free you from you past, from your addictions, from your thoughts!! No other lifestyle can offer you a God who loves you deeply and intimately!! No other lifestyle was wiling to go through Hell and back as an atonement for you!!
So have you counted the cost?!
Psalm 13:5- 6 But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.
I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me.
John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
Life has the opportunity to get rough everyday. But we have the opportunity to get tough everyday. "And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. (but you have to bear it) But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." 1 Corinthians 10:13
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers and authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist,with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." (Ephesians 6:10-18)
I am adding Paul's personal request to his brothers and sisters, because it is my personal request to my brothers and sisters. "Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should." (Ephesians 6:19-20)
~Awaken Us~
Brenna Stanford
