I have heard many people complain about the hardships of being a Christian. They gripe about all the things that they are not allowed to do, and places that they aren't permitted to go. In Luke 9:23, 25 Jesus said to all of them, "If people want to follow me, they must give up the things they want. It is worth nothing for them to have the whole world if they themselves are destroyed or lost (New Century Version). Jesus is not saying that we shouldn't have riches, but that we shouldn't put them above Him. All of the commandments in the Bible are there to protect us from harmful behaviors. Even the ten commandments are about relationships (Exodus 20:1-17). The first four are about our relationship with God, and then the other six concern how we treat other people. God put these guidelines in place because He loves us and knows what is best for us. He created us, therefore, He wants to shield us from all unnecessary heartache! The good news is that God does not expect or want us to handle these burdens on our own! Yes, we must pick up our cross daily, but we do not have to do it alone. Even, Jesus had help! Mark 15:21 A man named Simon from Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was coming from the fields to the city. The soldiers forced Simon to carry the cross for Jesus. God knew that Jesus would need help, so He provided it. He does the same for us. Jesus is continuously interceding on our behalf, and the Holy Spirit is our helper and teacher. Being a Christian isn't hard. At least, not when you accept the help that God has supplied. I will leave you with these words from Galatians 6:1-2, Brothers and sisters, if someone in your group does something wrong, you who are spiritual should go to that person and gently help make him right again. But be careful, because you might be tempted to sin, too. By helping each other with your troubles, you truly obey the law of Christ (New Century Version). I hope you enjoyed reading the word of God in a new light! Have a Happy Wednesday! God Bless, Min. Tommy & Sis. Shatika Gray Additional Scriptures (NKJV) Heb 13:5-6 5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." 6 So we may boldly say: "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?" Ps 23:1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. |
| You Won't Bear It Alone Mar. 3, 2004 |