I’ve been in church as far back as I can remember. With few exceptions, one common thread I have seen is the idea that becoming a Christian changes your life for the better. I understand that it is technically true. But at the same time, in a more real way, it is absolutely false.
This view lends credence to those who might say Christianity is a crutch — a life-bettering add-on for the weak or broken. But that perception couldn’t be further from the truth.
Following Jesus doesn’t guarantee comfort, ease, or success. In fact, Jesus promises the opposite: “In this world you will have trouble…” (John 16.33).
The Christian life often begins with disappointment; not because Jesus fails, but because we come into this lifestyle with the wrong expectations. Whether it’s from a misunderstanding or a wrong understanding of the Gospel, we expect fruitful blessings but end up facing painful pruning. We expect mountain-top experiences overflowing with peace and joy, but instead walk through parched desert valleys that often leave us feeling empty and dry. We expect miracles, yet we get a lifelong process of tedious decision-making. We expect an abundant life, yet we’re told to die to ourselves daily.
Christianity is not the shortcut to a better life, but it is a very long road to a new life. Unfortunately, this lifelong path includes suffering, surrender, and letting go of what used to make us feel secure — even if it was artificial or unhealthy. Sometimes, we even give up what feels safe to gain what is eternal. It is no surprise then, that Paul says at the end of his life, “to live is Christ but to die is gain” (Philippians 1.21). This sounds more like the ramblings of an exhausted battle-scared soldier than it does someone who is “more than a conqueror”.
I’m not saying that the promises and hopes we read throughout the New Testament aren’t true. But perhaps our perspective of them has been whitewashed with Western individuality and prosperity. Jesus literally tells us to count the cost before we say yes to him (Luke 14.28). His invitation is less of a crutch for the crippeled and more of a cross for the convinced.
Jesus is present in the suffering. He meets us in the loss. He walks with us, not around pain, but through it. And what we gain in him is far greater and more fulfilling than anything this world could promise or provide; it’s just not for the feable or faint of heart. It’s for the one who is simply willing to be willing — for the one who believes but desires grace for their unbelief.
For the record, Jesus does still bring real miracles. However, here’s the challenge: if your life feels completely “blessed” (read: comfortable, safe, and secure) right now, don’t assume that’s a sign of Jesus affirming your decisions, mindsets, and lifestyles. Sometimes, it’s the enemy wrapping us in insulation to keep us from real, vulnerable, Spirit-led relationship with Jesus. Perhaps the “comfort zone” we’ve created has actually become a prison that prevents us from experiencing real peace of mind.
This week, ask the Holy Spirit this tough question: What one area of my life have I been asking You to make things easier rather than asking You to make me more like Jesus?
God bless,
Nathan
