Thursday; October 22

Have you noticed how difficult it is to be a Christian? There are several rules we have to follow … we have to be nice to people – even those who are mean to us … we can’t have as much fun as our unchristian friends and neighbors … we have to stay faithful – even when we don’t understand what is going on around us … we must always be on our best behavior … we must become selfless and endure persecution whether it is merely a minor inconvenience or a life-threatening situation. Yep, Christianity is difficult – or is it?


Several years ago, as the Apostle John challenged his contemporaries, he reminded them, “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and is commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith.” (I John 5:3-4). Here, the inspired writer of God, dispels the belief that Christianity is difficult (or burdensome as he calls it). The difficulties we face are often of our own doing, not the result of doing what God calls us to do. In fact, those momentary afflictions of daily living pale in comparison to what we have in store for us!

When we start to lament how difficult our lives are, let’s think about the blessings we have been promised. If that doesn’t work to change our minds, let’s think about what Jesus experienced when He left the throne of heaven and climbed up on the cross at Calvary. Now just how tough are our lives?

Think About It!

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