Do Christians live easy lives?

Do true Christians live easy lives?

This is another "Yes" and "No" question. The variation comes in the word "easy".

Do true Christians live a life that is comfortable and without trouble?

No. Christ taught that (Matthew 7:14) "But the narrow gate and the road that lead to life are full of trouble. Only a few people find the narrow gate." Christ taught that if we follow him, we will experience trouble. Note that he doesn't say just every now and again, but "full of trouble."

He goes on to say "Not everyone who says 'Lord, Lord!' will enter the kingdom."

This is going to challenge you a bit, but based on these two statements, it is clear that many who think they know the way to life, don't. He will eventually tell them "Go away from me... I don't know you."

So how can anyone know that they have eternal life, and not eternal death?

Christ himself answered this by speaking of himself in the third person in a public prayer before his disciples as he continued to teach them. (John 17:3) "This is eternal life: to know you, the one true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." The word 'know' here has significant importance. The greek word used here means to have a deep personal relationship, not a head knowledge of random facts. Thanks to TV news, I know alot about George W. Bush. There are some areas which we agree, and others where I think we would disagree. But in the end, I don't know him. I know about him. And he certainly does not know me. If you were to show him my picture, I am certain the first words from his mouth would be "Who the heck is that?"

Are you striving to know God, and just as important, does God know you ... thus implying a deep relationship? Read that sentence again. It is vitally importaint! In fact, let me write it again, and actually stop and answer it in your heart... Are you striving to know God, and just as important, does God know you?

If you answered "Yes" to this, expect trouble. Expect to have your limits stretched. Another indication that we will face trouble was just prior to this prayer, as he was teaching them in 16:33: "I've told you these things so that my peace will be with you. In the world you will have trouble. But cheer up! I have overcome the world."

You will have trouble. Your life will not be easy. If you are following God, expect to be stretched past your comfort zones. If you aren't stretched, then you aren't following and obeying Him. I can't say if God knows you or not, based on this, but I can say that you aren't being obedient. An obedient Christian should constantly be challenged with something new. Life should never be a boring rut, because God is an active, moving, engaging God.

Expect to be stretched! Expect to have your limits tested. Expect it.

Can Christians live a life easily dispite being uncomfortable and dispite trouble?

Yes! Read the second part of the last verse. This is the exciting part! "But cheer up! I have overcome the world." Life should not be a drudge. It may have trouble, but He has overcome any trouble you may face. Dispite the path he leads us on, if we are following him, it's going to be a fun (look at the word "cheer") ride.

And look at the beginning of the verse "... so that my peace will be with you." We can live a life that comforts us dispite the trouble because we have Christ's peace. What is 'Peace'?? Is it the lack of conflict? No. It is knowing and trusting and believing and resting in who actually has control, dispite the conflict. Here's a hint... it's not me, and it's not you. Again "...cheer up! I have overcome the world."

Jesus Christ -- God incarnate -- has overcome. He is in control. Not you. That, at first, can be the most horrifying thing in the world. Human nature absolutely fears, loathes, dispises and hates losing control. But in the end, when you understand how loving God is, this is the most beautiful, peaceful, amazing thing. Having that kind of peace comes from a true faith that God will take care of the details, no matter how big or small those details are.

To reiterate the first question, if you believe God and know him in a true relationship, should you expect an easy life of comfort and without trouble? No. Not in the least. In fact, expect just the opposite.

But, to answer the second form of this question, can you live a life of peace dispite those troubles? Yes! Definately! It's a matter of faith, trust and relationship. More on that later. But for now, seek God! Build your relationship with him, and rest in his peace. We're going to have a fun ride.