Christ or Convenience
“strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” (NIV) Acts 14:22
Modernization has made life so easy and convenient for humans. There are so much variety and comfort in terms of transportation, communication, entertainment and many more. With just a remote control, you can view hundreds of television channels bringing the world closer. However, these advances in modernization and comfort can affect our Christian life.
Nowadays, many evangelists and pastors preach prosperity sermons which increase the expectations of more convenient lifestyle for Christians. Unfortunately, Christ did not promise a life of convenience for Christians on earth. If you want to be with Christ, you must deny yourself of worldly pleasure and carry a cross of duty (Luke 9:23). Are you prepared to serve the Lord at all times or when it is convenient for you? Are you willing to sacrifice your comfort zone for the sake of Christ and His Kingdom?
Neglecting God and choosing worldly comfort will ultimately deny you of heaven. People today are happier to please fellow humans in order to live comfortable lives on earth than to listen to God. Jeroboam, king of Israel, for example, loved the convenience of being a King rather than obeying God (1Kings 12). He chose to listen and please his peers and that ended with the division of Israel as a state. Similarly, many people are hearing the truth of God but are choosing to follow human doctrines because that suits their convenient and compromised lifestyles. Jesus came on earth to call humanity to worship God and be righteous (Matt. 6:33). This calls for our total commitment under all circumstances.
Beloved, let's stop being self-centered and be God-centered, instead. Christianity is about commitment, sacrifice and service that will surely cost you something for the sake of Christ. Be on the side of God, endure hardship and resist temptations as a good soldier of Christ (2Tim. 2:3) for our focus and reward is in Heaven.