In what ways is being a Christian difficult?

Answer

Anyone who claims that dedicating your life to Christ makes it easier is not being truthful. Fulfilling, yes. More joyful, absolutely. But easier? No. In some ways, life becomes more challenging after embracing Christ. The battle against sin becomes more intense. Issues like laziness, gluttony, swearing, anger, envy, self-centeredness, materialism, covetousness, and intimacy struggles—temptations appear endless. The world, our own desires, and evil forces do not disappear just because we have entered into a relationship with Christ.

The list of sins dating back 2,000 years in Galatians 5:19–21 remains relevant for us living in the 21st century. Following that list is another set—the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Transitioning from the deeds of the flesh to the virtues of the Spirit can be challenging.

Accepting Christ as Savior means we instantly receive justification before God “For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”, (Romans 10:10). We are reconciled to Him and obtain all the legal rights and privileges of being His sons or daughters “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the power to become the sons of God, even to those who believe in His name.”, (John 1:12). We now have a relationship with the Creator of the universe.

What is often disregarded is the need to also acknowledge Christ as Lord. Being a redeemed child of God entails surrendering our own will “For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”, (1 Corinthians 6:20). This marks the beginning of sanctification, and the ongoing process of self-denial continues throughout our earthly lives “Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.'” , (Matthew 16:24).

The Spirit’s regeneration triggers an alert system that signals a change. Behaviors that were once comfortable in sin no longer feel the same. The previous way of life becomes outdated “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”, (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Being a Christian is challenging because we must now view our lives through a different lens that aligns with God’s values. We are surrounded by a worldly system that promotes its own standards and criticizes those who disagree. Prior to salvation, we unquestioningly adopt the world’s beliefs. After being saved, our eyes are opened to the truth, allowing us to discern the world’s deceptions. Resisting these falsehoods can be arduous.

Being a Christian is challenging because, post-salvation, we find ourselves swimming against the current of the world. While our desires transform, the process of sanctification can be demanding. Our friends may not comprehend us anymore; our families may question our new commitments and relationships. Those close to us often feel hurt, upset, and defensive. They struggle to understand why we have abandoned our former ways.

Being a Christian is challenging because it necessitates growth. God’s love compels us to evolve. Growth may involve discomfort at times, and stepping out of our comfort zone is not always easy, but it leads to positive change.Warding. As we grow in Christ, we realize that God isn’t just desirous of our conforming to a set of rules. He wants all of us; He desires a crucified life, given totally to Him. We learn through obedience and trust to find rest in His guidance.

Being a Christian is challenging because we must constantly say “no” to our own fleshly desires and yield to the Spirit. We learn to handle conflict with grace, instead of through retaliation. We learn to forgive, rather than hold grudges. We learn to replace the vacillating emotions we once called love with true, unconditional love. We grow through the opportunity to die to ourselves daily, to become obedient.

Yes, being a Christian is challenging in many ways. But that’s only half the story. The difficulties believers face are not faced alone. Every challenge is met through the power of Christ who lives within us «I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. », (Philippians 4:13). The faithful follower of Christ is never completely overwhelmed (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).

There are definite, eternal rewards for following Christ (Luke 18:29-30). We learn by experience that God’s ways are better, safer, and more reliable than the world’s ways. Our trusting obedience to God becomes the pathway to a transformed and abundant life «The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. », (John 10:10).