In yesterday’s post, I shared that there were two quotes from Ellen Vaughn’s new book What Jesus Started that really struck me. Go here to see what I said yesterday. Today’s quote is as follows:
If you want to have a comfortable Christian life, you might have a comfortable life, but you won’t have a Christian life. (Eliezer Gonzalez, Good News Unlimited. Quoted on p.173)
“Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity. Anyone who wants to serve me must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me.” (Jesus quoted in John 12:25-26)
There are multiple verses where Jesus lays it down that those who follow Him will suffer. Following Jesus never has been and never will be an easy road. That’s just one of the reasons the “God wants you healthy; God wants you wealthy” shtick is from the pit of hell and smells like smoke. It goes completely against the words of Jesus and Paul and the other writers by saying the Christ-follower will always know God’s blessing of favor, wealth, good health, and all good things. And those shysters who are propagating that garbage are getting rich off the backs of those who are sacrificing. Such shame. Such blatant misuse of God’s Word and abuse of God’s people!!
It never has been and never will be comfortable following Jesus, unless, of course, you are a false teacher. Eliezer Gonzalez was more true than he knew. It’s time to follow Jesus. “Take up your cross,” He said, “and follow me.”
Following Jesus is never easy, but it is the most worthwhile pursuit we can undertake in this world. Let’s gladly pick up our crosses and follow Him!
Blessings, Bill!
It is not only worthwhile but exciting. Thanks Martha
Being a christian is a the best decision one can make for their life, but it is not a easy life at all. Jesus never promised an easy life, He said following me will bring troubles in this world. When Jesus says, take up your cross and follow me, first look at what the cross of Jesus represents, and what Jesus did on the cross to save us. We will never go through all of the horrific things Jesus did on His cross, but picking up a cross bears a responsibility and comes with a commitment to Jesus that will test our faith and the true condition of our hearts. Thankfully, we have Jesus and the Holy Spirit to guide us. Although the christian life is not an easy pursuit, it is the only one I want to pursue to fullest possible way I can.
Great comment Gail. Like you, it is the one I choose to pursue with passion and an eagerness to learn and grow more and deeper in love.
‘If you want to have a comfortable Christian life, you might have a comfortable life, but you won’t have a Christian life.’
(Eliezer Gonzalez, Good News Unlimited. Quoted on p.173)
Lest we get too complacent, this serves as a good wake up call. Thank you for this always needed nudge toward holiness, not happiness, Bill.
Weekend blessings to you.
Thanks for coming by and commenting Linda. And you’re welcome. The nudge is needed here sometimes.