Growing up in middle class America, not being super popular in school and not being the brightest light bulb of them all creates an “average” person. Most people seem to shoot for average thinking it will please. We think if “I get a good job that is financially secure, start a family, have a few kids, settle down and retire at 65 we have lived a good life.”
Now that was a pretty rough example, but it could never be truer. I am young, but I see people all the time such as teachers, parents, friends, pastors, and even rich people settling for the average life. I can’t help but beg the question “Is that all I have to look forward to?”
One thing I noticed in these type of people have in common is apathy. No hobbies. No “me” time. No whimsical and irrational decisions that make life, well life. Personally I would rather struggle than live an easy comfortable life with no ups or downs. In fact as a believer in Jesus Christ I am promised a life of struggle.
John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Acts 14:22
Strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.
2 Timothy 3:12
In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,
1 Peter 4:12
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
It is clear in scripture and it is clear in every believers life that struggle will come. In fact I would go as far to say that if your life is easy all of the time or you are seeking only an easy life you are following the wrong Jesus. You are following the Americanized Jesus, where we go to God when we need him to do something for us to make our lives easy, not the Jesus that tells us man will have no place to lay his head.
Never the less, a hard life does not mean a bad one, it just means a life full of meaningful events and people, and Jesus promises something far better than a “good life” on earth. He promises joy, He promises life in the full (John10:10), and He promises Eternal life in heaven with the father (John 3:16)! What on earth compares with this? Gold will lose its luster eventually (Lamentations 4:1), bank accounts will empty, houses will crumble, and people die.
If anyone gets anything out of reading this, get this. Don’t settle for these earthly things where moths destroy and thieves steal (Matthew 6:19). Don’t settle for good, or average or even great! Settle for the life God wants you to have because it is the best life possible you can have. You will go places and through things people who settle can never go through. You will find yourself standing on stone, while others sink in sand. It is a paradox, but trust me, it make sense and is tested true.
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Who Am I?
Non-FictionWho are you in the eyes of the redeemer? Do you ever think of your self as unimportant or tell yourself "I don't matter" or even strive to be someone you where never meant to be? Read and see How Jesus Christ looks at you, even when you are trying n...
