I apologize it has been so long since my last post. I pray the Lord will allow me to resume daily updates here. The title of this blog might seem a little misleading, but hopefully it will make more sense shortly. The issue here is discipleship. The question is, do we want an easy discipleship or do we want an obedient discipleship. Please understand that I am not talking about life in general or salvation. I firmly believe that as God draws people and they hear the pure Gospel, they will give their life over to Christ. However, salvation is the beginning point for a Christian, not the arrival point. Before I go any further, let’s define what I mean by easy or obedient. An easy discipleship is one in which you do the things that you desire to do such as pray occasionally or read your Bible occasionally. This person might serve if it is convenient or even attend “extra” church services as their schedule allows them to. Again this person has made a genuine profession of faith, but their faith is only surface deep. An obedient disciple is one who follows all the instructions given by Christ and the Bible, including the ones that are difficult for them. They live out their authentic faith in front of the world unashamedly. If we are honest, most Christians live in the easy discipleship model. Hebrews 5:12-14 says that although they should be teachers themselves, they need someone to teach them. Those who opt for this model of discipleship simply need to know going forward that they will not experience all that God has for them because of the path they have chosen. If we want to experience that abundant life He spoke of in John 10:10 then we are going to have to do things like love Him more than our father, mother, brother, sister, and all other relationships. If we are going to obediently follow Him we are going to have to recognize that life isn’t about me and that what I desire no longer matters, but only what God desires. We are going to have to live a life that has been radically transformed by God Himself which means the TV shows, radio programs, much of the music, etc. has no business in our life now because it doesn’t glorify God. If we are going to be obedient we must be willing to go through persecution, suffering, trials, disciplining by God, and be willing to delay our ultimate gratification for when our life is over. Being an authentic Christian has never been nor will it ever be easy, but you must answer this question, do you think it is worth it? I can give you all the reasons in the world why I think an obedient life is worth it, but that isn’t going to help you. You must make that choice. One final warning, this will not be easy but with God’s help it is possible. It is the only way we can be truly blessed by God, and it is the only way that a lost,dying world will know what God can do with any life. I will close with familiar words, “Choose you this day whom you will serve. . .but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Josh. 24:15)
By His grace and through His strength may we live for Him!