It's Not Easy

As we get older our memories become more abundant. Our memory becomes more in tune to everything that has happen. We remember many childhood memories and things that have happened in our life. We tend to magnify everything that we have accomplished or endured.
The world offers many choices in life. It is never an easy thing when we have to choose God over the world. Temptations arise and try to get us to fail to serve God. Some say it is human nature to give in and some say that it is impossible to do.
Then when we look at ourselves who are Christians and see how we have made a transition from sin to salvation, we over simplify it. Sometimes in our thinking we believe that we should just throw off the old man that lead to sin and now just begin living a new life. It is true that this is what needs to happen. However truth of the matter: it is not easy to make this transition. There are many factors that provoke resistance against conformity to truth and conversion. These are things that may be hard to understand unless we are feeling them ourselves. I can imagine that all of us may have felt this at some point but we still may have takenthe opportunity to change. These are things however that we can definitely overcome if we think that it is not easy.
First of all it is not easy to deny the world. The main reason is that the world as an influence is extremely strong for us to overcome. The reason for this is simple and it is called “human pleasure.” Human passions and pleasures become addictions more towards the world instead of spiritual things. From the beginning of time when Satan tempted Eve he used the idea “do what you want when you want” mentality as been the problem for mankind. This desire for freedom from God has been our ultimate demise and biggest obstacle to overcome.
It’s not an easy thing to do but we are instructed by God to do it (Ephesians 4:17-32). We are given instructions to give up the old sinful world. It leads to corruption and eternal doom. We should no longer lie but instead speak truth. Never put ourselves in sinful situations. If we put off the old sinful world we will put off the things that cause us to sin and avoid them at every cost we can. Follow and understand the purpose that Jesus had in this world.
Are the rules of God a burden? The answer of course is no (I John 5:3). If we love and want God we will follow God’s way. They are not designed to be considering what James says in James 1:25 “perfect law of liberty.” They are a better and best way for us. It is a better life here and now (Gal. 5:22-23), a better way (John 14:6), and a better future (Rev. 21:20-27). Secondly, it is not easy to walk away from a past belief. While growing up we learn many things. Math has always been a strong point for me and I was raised that 2+2=4. I am very skeptical to be told differently. Why won’t we believe anything different? While testing the equation “two” is correct in every way. Therefore we will not except any other type of answer.
Let’s change the scenario: we were raised that all we had to do is accept Jesus as our personal Savior and we will be saved. Then someone teaches you it takes belief and action to be saved. It is not easy to conform to this new knowledge. What must we do to put it to the test?
The Bible is our only source of information concerning salvation
We must go to the Word and test the equation
We must see which concept passes the test
Let’s put it to the test and looking at those on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 222:42). There were many different types of people that witnessed the lesson that Peter presented to them. They heard the message that was delivered that day and it did affect them. Peter used scripture throughout his entire sermon that day. The crowd responded in a way that it cut them to the heart replying “what must we do to be saved.”
They realized at that point that belief was not enough. Peter told them to: “believe, repent, and be baptized to be saved from the perverse generation.” That day there were three thousand souls added to the church. They understood through the message that Peter presented using scripture that they needed more and they obeyed.
Lastly, it is not easy to admit a need for salvation. There are many factors that lead to a role in this situation. Some are embarrassed to know that I have sinned. Well, we all have sinned (Romans 3:23). Some may think: I have waited too long and lived a long life without it and now it is embarrassing to admit this need. It is never too late while we live in this earth (Hebrews 9:27). Some come to the conclusion that if I am baptized I will lose my family. Jesus was aware of this situation (Matthew 10:36-39).
Reality needs to set in that we need to obey God to be found acceptable (Matthew 7:21). God and God alone can save us eternally (Romans 1:16). God has spoken so that we might listen (James 1:17-25).
Not one of these things are easy. We must consider the most important factor: What will cost me more staying the same or changing according to God’s will. Are you ready to start something that is not easy but doable and receiving eternal rewards?
Daniel Sanders