Living as a Christian is the best way of life there is. You have God as your Father; the Lord Jesus as your, well, Lord and Master; and the Holy Spirit as your friend and teacher.
Yet, despite the tremendous grace and help that we receive from the Lord, some people find it hard to live the Christian life. Why is this?
Here are some reasons given on why living the Christian life seems hard to some people.
1. Some look at it from the wrong perspective
When we look at the Christian life from a wrong perspective, it's actually hard, even impossible. But when we look at it from the right perspective, we realise that it isn't hard since we are blessed with the grace of God (see John 3:3).
The Christian life is impossible to fully live out if we live it from our own strength. Those who understand how it goes know this: the Christian life begins with Christ, continues in Christ, and ends in Christ (see Hebrews 12:2). No one can ever live a Godly life without the grace of God!
2. Some perceive it as living with a strict set of rules
Contrary to what some believe, the Christian life is not about living with a strict set of rules. Although the Old Testament does have the Ten Commandments and another 613-strong list of commands in the law of Moses, it's not about the rules themselves! Christ Jesus, who came to fulfill all the law of Moses, showed that it's not about strictly adhering to every little rule, following every step and considering yourself "perfect" when you do (see Matthew 5:17-20; Romans 9:30-33). Instead, it's about loving God above all and loving those who God loves (see Matthew 22:36-40).
Rules merely restrict, govern and control behavior. The Christian life is built on a relationship with God, and this relationship is that which helps the Christian live the right life here on earth: a life that pleases God Himself (read Colossians 2).
3. Some think the Christian life is all about self-denial
Yes, following Christ does mean that we deny ourselves (see Matthew 16:24), but it doesn't mean we should be masochists who will love hurting and boring ourselves to death (see Colossians 2:22-23). Contrary to this thought, the Christian life is the one that offers the most freedom and joy compared to any other ways of life. Think about it.
The Bible says that "it is for freedom that Christ has set us free" (see Galatians 5:1). At the same time, this freedom should not be used to live according to our fleshly and sinful desires. When we sin or give in to our flesh, we make ourselves slaves to that which should not have any rule over us (see Romans 6:15-16).
Instead, we are freed from sin, death and condemnation so that we could freely live for Christ who died for us. It's not self-denial. It's living free from sin and wrong doing. It's living to fulfill the purpose for which God has given us this life and all that we have (see Romans 6:22).
