Making the Christian Life Easier
The Christian life is easy. Not! Any person who thinks so has not tried to live it. Yet, as difficult as it is, it can be much easier if you follow a few simple rules. But it is virtually impossible if you neglect them.
Here are four of the important rules for Christian living. Acts 2:41-47 outlines them as they functioned in the early church. First, read the Bible faithfully. Be like those believers in Berea (Acts 17:10-11) who “searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.” Your spiritual life needs food, just as your physical life does, and soul food is found in the Word of God. A large part of the difficulties you experience as a Christian can be traced to a lack of Bible reading and study. Second, pray fervently. Jesus said, “Men always ought to pray and not lose heart.” (Luke 18:1) You will either pray or not have confidence in your Christian life. You can’t afford to be too busy to pray. A prayer-less life is a powerless life! Third, attend church regularly. John Wesley wrote, “The Bible knows nothing of solitary religion.” Christianity is a religion characterized by fellowship. Following Jesus speaks of love, righteousness, and service—and these can only be demonstrated in the social interaction of Christian fellowship. Hebrews 10:24-25 is a clear command to do this: “Consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another.” Fourth, share your faith freely. After Jesus delivered the demon-possessed man, He instructed him, “Return to your own house, and tell what great things God has done for you.” The verse further records that “he went his way and proclaimed throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him.” (Luke 8:39) A believer should never be ashamed of his faith, instead you should let all around you know that you are a Christian—“I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes.” (Romans 1:16) As the Holy Spirit directs, share Jesus Christ with everyone, with the intention of leading them to personal faith in the Lord. Keep these simple rules and the Christian life will be easier.
Sin cera, Erik
Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.
