If you’ve read my previous blogs, you’ve seen that this blog offers a solution to suicidal thoughts, depression, anxiety and fear that is not a man made solution, but a solution, a gift, from Jesus Christ. It is a solution that requires us to ask Jesus Christ to be our Savior.
Some of you may be thinking this is so cliche, there’s no truth to this. Maybe some of you have been to a church and or have heard from others that God loves everyone, God is love. Doesn’t matter how you live your life or what behavior you partake in, just come, sing these songs and feel good. And you are wondering how that empty idea is supposed to be your solution.
Though it sounds good and it feels good by going to church and singing the songs and hearing about how a belief in Jesus will bring us wealth and prosperity, I think those of us who have suffering in our lives know that concept is not the truth. In fact, it’s not fulfilling to those who live that way either. People eventually stop going to church because what they thought they knew about Christ is not happening in their lives. Christ didn’t help them out of financial ruin, or he prevent the loss from happening.
So let’s talk today about what truth really is. “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” John 3:17. “I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.” John 12:46.
For just a second, look at God as your boss at work. Which kind of boss would you rather work for?
1. The boss who is nowhere to be found when questions get tough, is a pushover with unruly employees, and allows the company to run amuck without any vision or goal.
2. The boss who is willing to make that tough phone call for you when you are unsure how to convey the message. The boss who has expectations, holds people accountable, and leads the company by example to triumph?
I think the answer is a unanimous #2. What kind of god would the God of the Universe, the great I AM, be if he also was not just and honest and able to lead by example? Who wants to put all our trust and hope into a God who cannot walk the walk and follow through on promises, only talks a good game? There’s no lasting comfort in that. In fact, I think it’s safe to say, we all tend to avoid empty promises in general.
The true gospel of Jesus Christ not only shows us love, kindness, acceptance but he also says, “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.” Matthew 10:34. Now that’s shocking, isn’t it? Jesus knew that to follow him, have relationship with him wasn’t going to be easy. (See #8 Willingness) Jesus knew that for those who really seek him and are willing to lay down their own helpless, misguided, mismanaged lives for Him would face struggles. He goes on to say, “For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household. Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me… Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” Matthew 10:35-39. Again, shocking, huh? But it’s the truth! This life He offers us as a gift will have challenges just as a life without Jesus will have challenges. But by making the choice to follow Him we can stand in the face of persecution because his promises offer us security. “for He has said, “I will never leave you or forsake you.”” Hebrew 13:5.
Many times finding the purpose of our lives in living for Jesus causes us to face criticism or ostracization from our family and friends. (Just as Jesus said it would.) I want to encourage you today that that’s ok. When you begin to really recognize that our time on this earth, in this world, is very limited in light of eternity, our worldly relationships take second seat to our relationship with our Savior. And another thing, sometimes the people, places, and things we spend our time with need to change in order for our hearts and souls to change. Many times we already know what is toxic to us but lack the security to change our people, places, and things. With Christ in your heart you’ll have that security and strength. “For I am the way the truth and the life.” John 14:6