Why is it so confusing and difficult to be a fully devoted Christ-following twenty-first century Christian?

 

Why is it so confusing and difficult to be a fully devoted Christ-following twenty-first century Christian?

It is as if the Apostle Paul had us in mind when he penned 2 Corinthians 4:8-12 saying, “We are hard-pressed on every side, but not crushed. Perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying around in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who live are constantly being handed over to death because of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our mortal flesh. So death works in us, but life in you.” (These are the ‘external’ tribulations of life.).

Paul’s words may be an overstatement for most of us in America, but there are many days when we, as Christians, can feel overwhelmed, disoriented and rendered helpless by the threats and forces of evil that surround us. (These are the ‘internal’ stresses of life).

I mean, it can be confusing and difficult to be a fully devoted Christ-following twenty-first century Christian as we wonder how are we to respond to radical Islamists, in our own congress, who are pulling our system of laws and constitution rights asunder?

It can be confusing and difficult to be a fully devoted Christ-following twenty-first century Christian as we wonder how to respond to people in high places of our government, in our highest institutions of education and learning and in the governing bodies of our healthcare systems refusing to identify “what a woman is” and answer correctly “ if a man can give birth”, yet holding us captive to egregious lies and deception.

It can be confusing and difficult to be a fully devoted Christ-following twenty-first century Christian when our elementary and secondary schools are falling farther and farther behind world standards in reading, writing and science because our education systems are ruled by Socialist teacher unions-and their Globalist-Marxist agenda is to sufficiently ‘dumb-down’ or children so they can be easily and effectively brainwashed into Marxist idealism.

When are courts a packed with Leftist progressive Socialists who, when violent criminals are arrested and charged with heinous crimes, release these criminal animals back into society only to steal, kill and destroy the people we love and the things we hold dear.

When foreign nationals can surreptitiously vote in our elections and elect their own, who openly defy our laws and proclaim hatred for our country, hold high offices in government, raid our treasuries, encourage assassinations through vitriolic hate speeches.

How do we defend ourselves; how do we defend our families and our nation if we, as Christians are “not to show opposition” against an evil person; but we are to turn our cheek when someone either literally slaps us or ‘slaps down our rights, our freedom of religion and our Constitutional Republican way of life”? When we are admonished to give to him-no matter their evil intent-who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you. Or when we are commanded by Jesus to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute you? (See Matthew 5:38-44).

You can see why it is so confusing and difficult to be a fully devoted Christ-following twenty-first century Christian, and it is not because we are told to act as Christ. It is because we have not been told the ‘whole story’. We have been fed a fragmented and opinionated version of what the Bible actually teaches. (And if you buy into this ‘half-narrative’, you have bought into what is essentially a falsehood. Just enough truth in this half-truth narrative of the Bible to leave you vulnerable. Vulnerable enough that the enemy is able to harm you or to destroy you! A half-truth is a lie, and this is why Ephesians 6:11 says to “Put on the full armor of God” – not some of it – but all of it – ”so you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.” (Standing firm means that Believers are called to remain faithful rather than retreat, compromise, or yield to deception. Spiritual victory is often pictured as standing firm in the position Christ has secured through His death and resurrection. Such endurance is sustained through prayer, Scripture, faith, and continued obedience, as believers hold fast to the gospel amid pressure and temptation knowing without any doubt that by doing so that “the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down, the one who accuses them before our God day and night. And we overcome him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of our testimony, for we do not love our life even when faced with death”.

Now, please listen to Paul Harvey’s broadcast from 1965 appropriately named

and get “the rest of the story”, as he was famous for saying.

In conclusion, I will offer an answer to our opening question “Why is it so confusing and difficult to be a fully devoted Christ-following twenty-first century Christian” by disclosing “The Dynamics of The Two Sides of Jesus Ministry, Mission, Methods and Mindset” – in other words, “W.W.J.D”?

(Jesus confronts hypocrisy, false teaching, exploitation, sin, religious corruption, injustice).

Jesus Christ was neither a passive peacemaker who avoided confrontation nor a violent revolutionary who sought to overthrow His enemies. He was the obedient Son of God who came to testify to the truth, fulfill Scripture, call sinners to repentance, proclaim the kingdom of God, confront Satan and spiritual evil, expose religious hypocrisy, challenge unjust and corrupt practices, and ultimately give His life to save sinners,

His commitment to truth was uncompromising, but His confrontation was never an excuse for hatred or personal vengeance. He could rebuke His enemies with extraordinary severity while commanding His disciples to love their enemies, pray for persecutors, forgive, and do good.

Jesus therefore demonstrated a form of courage that is simultaneously truthful, courageous, confrontational, sacrificial, compassionate, and submissive to the Father’s will.

Jesus confronted evil without becoming evil.

He confronted Satan—but did not become Satan’s instrument.

He confronted hypocrisy—but did not become hateful.

He confronted political power—but did not become a political revolutionary.

He confronted religious authorities—but did not abandon God’s Word.

He confronted sinners—but called them to salvation.

He confronted His executioners—but prayed for their forgiveness.

That is why the cross is the ultimate expression of Jesus’ “steadfast, unmovable courage.” It shows that Christian courage is not merely the willingness to fight—it is the willingness to remain faithful to truth and righteousness even when faithfulness costs everything.

Jesus’ courage is for truth, holiness, the kingdom of God, and the salvation of people, even when that put Him in direct conflict with people and institutions.

Jesus did not come merely to make people comfortable; Jesus came to reveal God’s truth and accomplish God’s redemptive purposes, regardless of whether people accepted, rejected, or opposed Him.

What you have just read (above here) is our model. You can justifiably substitute “Jesus” and “He” with your name. Where it says “I” (referring to Jesus) you can assume the role, the calling and this as your mission “in His Name”.

“Yes”, you might be thinking, “but that is Jesus and I am not Jesus. I might be able to do a few things like serving in the Church, but do the things you have listed?”. 

True enough. You are not Jesus. But just hold your horses. The Bible emphasizes that we should walk in the same way Jesus walked (1 John 2:6) and follow His example (John 13:15). Additionally, we are encouraged to have the same mind as Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:5) and to do the works that He did (John 14:12).

It will be difficult. Yes. But Jesus said we must “take up our cross” (an instrument or example of pain and suffering) and follow Him. We will most likely, at one time or another, be persecuted, reviled, hated and have all manner of evil said about us because of Him, but that is the cost. (But honestly, I have done many of these things, and it is never as bad as it sounds or as you might think.

And finally, let’s connect the dots. Are you aware that every action has a corresponding reaction or response? Some call this the “Law of Reciprocity”.  “Give and it will be given back to you, with good measure, pressed down, people will pour it into your lap until it runs over!” For good or for ill. It is also known as the “Law of Sowing and Reaping”. Galatians 6:7, states, “A man reaps what he sows.” Our actions have corresponding consequences, both positive and negative. This concept emphasizes that what we “sow” through our choices and behaviors will determine what we “reap” in life, You will and are certainly reaping what you have sown. Treat someone hatefully and they will most likely respond negatively. Show mercy to someone and they most likely will respond positively. Worry unduly and your mind and body will be physically upset and possibly suffer illnesses. Exercise and eat good foods and you will likely be healthy and feel good. Get it?

The Good News is that there is an escape. There is a way to stop this cycle or reciprocity and reaping the negatives of life. It is found in the Life and Person of Jesus. This is exactly why He came-to set us free from sin, death, guilt and shame.

So, now for the concluding question: “Do you ever get sick and tired of being sick and tired” which is another way of saying are you sick and tired of reaping negative results in your life? Are you sick and tired of feeling alone, left out, worrying all the time, feeling depressed, angry and sad? Are you  willing to consider that your actions to this point are now reaping the things you are experiencing in life? If so, you may just be on your way to healing your life. On you way to a much better life. A life of reaping a meaningful life. A life of purpose, rewards and peace. There is a Way, and His Name is Jesus. He will make a way where there seems no way.

When there seems to be no way out of past guilt and shame, turn to Jesus.

When there seems to be no way out of lack, unmet needs and loneliness, turn to Jesus.

Christ Jesus paid the price for the ultimate freedom of your soul, and when you discover that, you will be set free indeed. Trust Him. Follow Him even when it seems counter to what the world will tell you.

The same is true when you suffer under government overreach and oppression, out of rampant evil, out of sadness, loneliness, poverty, illness, or disease. Jesus is the way to your freedom. This has been proven over and over throughout the centuries.

If this is true, why is it so confusing and difficult to be a fully devoted Christ-following twenty-first century Christian? Because Satan is a liar and he is using rebellious people, people who love darkness and evil to tell you that “you cannot be free” and that it their job to rule over you. It is made even more difficult when you love your possession more than your freedom. It is because you up until now, you have loved darkness to hide your sins more that the Glorious Light of freedom in Christ Jesus.

So what now? Just do it. Turn away from your worldly life and possessions of things, titles, ego, selfishness, pride, anger and vengeance and turn to Him. He promises that “everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms on account of My name, will receive many times as much in this life, and will inherit eternal life in the next life”.

Your Brother and Friend – In this race together and to the end!

Mike Young