We have all heard the saying; it is hard being a Christian. Of course this saying can mean different things to different people yet I suppose every Christian can relate to this saying in one way or another. The Christian life can be characterized by suffering; all kinds of suffering (Rom 8:18). Many times the Christian will suffer unjustly (1 Pet 2:19). And so the Christian life can be hard in the sense of suffering.
The Christian’s walk is also characterized by war. The Christian is constantly being targeted by the schemes of the devil (Eph 6:11, 12). Because of this the Christian is instructed to put on the whole armor as in a war (Ep. 6:13). But not only does the Christian battle the schemes of the devil, they also battle against the passions of the flesh which wage war against their souls (1 Pet 2:11). And so the Christian life can also be hard in the sense of spiritual war.
Because the Christian must contend with these adverse elements and more; the life of the Christian is equally characterized by a life of enduring (Ro. 8:17). We must withstand attacks from spiritual enemies, battling the passions of our own flesh, being discriminated against as Children of God and not to mention contending with the everyday suffering associated with a fallen humanity.
But perhaps what is most commonly meant by those who say being a Christian is hard is that it is hard to put on Christian ethics. Against our own efforts to be holy we find ourselves wanting to snap off, cuss, hate, get back, have it our way, discriminate, exude pride and all the while having a relationship with lust. The struggle is coming from within (Rom 7:15-20).
What’s more... scripture is chalked filled with exhortations to live holy, love and be about good works which puts more pressure on the Christian who reads it as an "or else" proposition. The word of God warns against the dangers of living an unholy life and issues out threats of not entering God’s rest. And because of this we press and are filled with anxiety when it is not going right. But God has a word!
While scripture does exhort and threatens, clearly the greater emphasis of scripture is on the amazing splendor of a secure salvation we have in Christ. There are so many exhilarating truths for the Christian. Encouragement comes in knowing what God has personally prepared for you. Strength comes in searching the promises of God. The encouraging reality is that you and I as Christians can have complete assurance that we will surely endure.
If we are to be steadfast and continually progressing in sanctification we must keep close to our heart and mind what God has already done and secured. Before you chose to trust in Christ Jesus he first chose you to be in him before the foundation of the world (Eph 1:14). How else do you think you could choose a Holy God? The bible says there is none that seek him, no not one. You were created in Christ Jesus for good works which God prepared beforehand that you should walk in them (Eph 2:10). When you heard and believed the gospel, you were sealed with his Holy Spirit who is the guarantee of your inheritance until you acquire possession of it (Eph 1:13, 14). These are absolute unwavering truths of the Christian faith that should be a source of strength and encouragement to every Christian.
When we are tossed and thrown; when our feet seems to be on shaky ground; when we slip into a pattern of sin that sends us down the winding road of shame and guilt; when our good ethics and disciplines we so often mistakenly gage our acceptance before God with suddenly betrays us; leaving us doubting and unsure of our faithfulness. It is precisely in these times we are most objectively assured in Holy Scripture. The Holy Spirit has carefully and lovingly given the believer a wealth of scripture to draw strength from.
Consider these texts for your joy. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 “Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.” The reason the Gospel is so amazing is because it says that Jesus has died to sin once and for all. Therefore in Christ we too have died to sin once and for all (Romans 6:10). The reason we can have hope, the reason we can be steadfast in spite of our weakness, in spite of our failure and heart aches is because for the joy that was set before Christ he endured the cross (Heb 12:2). In Christ we are liberated! Free from the bondage of sin, Satan and death. The unwavering truth of scripture is precisely the reason we can run with endurance and not grow fainthearted (Heb 12:3).
Scripture has a way of first grounding the hope of salvation and then because of that grounds scripture then exhorts us to holiness. This is important to know. In other words our holiness (sanctification) flows from the knowledge of our salvation. It is because we are saved and are being saved we can be instructed on how to live holy. Jesus has died to free us from sin in order that we can live out God’s eternal purpose in our calling. We are now free to live out our calling.
Unfortunately many Christians wrongly see their salvation flowing from their holiness. In other words they live their life trying to be holy in order that they may be saved. When Christian burden themselves down with this false understanding of the gospel, the saying it is hard being a Christian will surely stand true.
But as for you be strengthened and encouraged in the living hope of Christ. For he is personally bringing you to Glory! (Rom 8:30)
No comments:
Post a Comment