How can being a Christian be difficult?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Being a Christian is the most important and life changing decision a person can make. While being a Christian means we experience forgiveness of sins, freedom from guilt and shame, and a transformed, fulfilled life, being a Christian also comes with difficulties. The Bible tells us in 2 Corinthians that we, as Christians, are new creations and are no longer bound by our sinful nature (2 Corinthians 5:17). However, we can still face temptation, as even Jesus did. As we grow in our relationship with Christ, we are transformed to be more like Him (2 Corinthians 3:18). This discipline from God toward transformation may not always be the most pleasant experience as we surrender our own will and desires, but God does this, as the book of Hebrews says, because He loves us (Hebrews 12:4-11). Another challenge Christians face is to live a life pleasing to God in the midst of a world that is not holy or righteous. It can be difficult to live the way God wants us to when the world around us pressures us to gratify ourselves and live the way we want. Romans 12:2 reminds us that we should not conform to the way of the sinful world but rather live holy lives that are pleasing to God. Christians also face the challenge of spiritual warfare. The Book of Ephesians reminds us that our conflicts and struggles are not with flesh and blood but with the spiritual powers around us (Ephesians 6:12). As believers, we should expect spiritual attacks from our enemy, the Devil. Romans 8:35-39 reminds us, though, that God gives us ultimate victory and that nothing can separate us from Him. Our conduct and actions throughout our struggles are a way that we can show the glory of God to nonbelievers around us and point them toward their own relationships with Him.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• When we have God’s Word in our hearts, we are better able to resist the temptations we face as Christians and live holier lives (Psalm 119:9).
• No matter where we go or find ourselves, God is always with us (Psalm 139:8).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Jesus tells us that, if we want to follow Him, we must deny ourselves, take up our crosses, and follow Him. By doing this, we find true life in Him (Matthew 16:24-26).
• Just as we face temptation as Christians, Jesus also faced the struggle of temptation (Mark 1:12-13).
• The thief, the Devil, only wants to destroy us; this is a struggle Christians face in spiritual warfare. Jesus, in contrast, give full and abundant life to those who follow Him (John 10:10).
• Jesus tells us that in this world we will experience trouble. However, we can be at peace in knowing that He has overcome the world (John 16:33).
• Christians are no longer slaves to sin but are made new in Christ and have died to our former sinful nature (Romans 6:1-6).
• Before we knew Christ, we were governed by our sinful nature and the desires of our flesh. Once we are in Christ, we become governed by the Holy Spirit, and we find life and peace in submitting to God (Romans 8:5-6).
• Although Christians face many challenges, nothing can separate us from Christ and His love for us (Romans 8:35-39). Because of this, we are victorious over the world and remain connected to God in Christ.
• Believers are not to conform any longer to the ways of the world. We are to be transformed by God’s renewal of our minds so that our lives are pleasing to Him (Romans 12:2).
• We can face great persecution and hardship because of our faith, but we know God is all-powerful, so we know we have the promise that we will never be destroyed and will have an eternal victory with Jesus (2 Corinthians 4:7-18).
• Second Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
• Christians are challenged to no longer conform to the sinful nature, actions that include fits of rage, idolatry, envy, and jealousy (Galatians 5:16-21). When we live in God’s Spirit, we, instead, display characteristics such as kindness, goodness, self-control, and peace (Galatians 5:22-23).
• Christians will face spiritual attacks from the Devil and his evil forces, but God has given us armor to wear so we can stand firm against those attacks(Ephesians 6:10-17).
• We should encourage and support each other when we face trials and challenges, spurring each other one to continue honoring God and doing good (Hebrews 10:24-25).
• Hebrews 12:6-11 explains that God disciplines and corrects His children out of love. Though the experience may not always be pleasant, it is necessary for us for us to live lives that are pleasing to God.
• James reminds us that trials and testing mature and strengthen our faith (James 1:1-5). This can give us joy when we are experiencing these challenges.
• We are a chosen, set-apart people to God who no longer live in darkness but rather in light (1 Peter 2:9-12). We have received God’s great mercy and should live lives that clearly show this. Even if people around us persecute us, we still must show them what it looks like to live a life glorifying to God through good deeds.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

When we accept Jesus, we must understand that we will face many challenges in our faith. The challenge of leaving our sinful nature and becoming more like God is one of growth and transformation over time as we allow God to change us. By spending time in God’s Word and in prayer, we can learn more of what He wants our lives to become. Strong relationships with other Christians can also help us to turn away from sinful desires and encourage us toward the things of God.

We can also experience challenges from the world. The world does not usually understand or respect our choice to live in honor of God, which might mean losing friends or being rejected. When these challenges arise, we can remember that God has set us apart from the world, sowe live free from sin and darkness. This is worth every difficulty we face. God has overcome the world; so then, have we.

God’s promise to be with us always comforts and strengthens us when we face challenges. Ultimately, we know that these challenges will fade, and we will, one day, live in an eternity void of trials and full of victory.

UNDERSTAND

• Being a Christian, while fulfilling and good, can be challenging and difficult, but we are warned about this.
• Challenges can come from our temptations toward sin, the sinful world around us, and spiritual attacks from the enemy.
• Believers can face these challenges by remaining close to God and remembering that, through Him, we can overcome any challenge we face.

REFLECT

• How have you experienced challenges in your faith, and what helped you rely on God during those times?
• How would you explain to someone that being a Christian difficult but that it is worth it?
• How does knowing that God is always with you bring comfort when you face rejection or difficulties as a Christian?

ENGAGE

• How do you respond to those who say being a Christian difficult?
• How can we encourage each other to remain strong in faith when faced with challenges like temptation, rejection, or spiritual attacks?
• What does it mean for Christians to live as "set apart," and why is this especially difficult in a world that often opposes godly values?