Our Lord makes it clear that not just anyone can be His disciple. One must be willing to take up his cross (Matthew 10:37-38) daily (Luke 9:23) and follow Jesus. Jesus made it clear that when one becomes His follower it breaks all other ties here on earth. “Yea, it may set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a mother in law against her daughter in law.” (Matthew 10:34-36) Sometimes, unfortunately, a man may be set apart from his family because of Christ.

Then, we consider the following passage in Colossians 3:1ff . We are to put off “fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” We are also told to put off, “anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds.”

If that isn’t enough, we find that we are supposed to put on some things. We are to work at having the following things as a part of our lives. “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

Yes, it isn’t easy being a Christian. Christ makes demands that many are not willing to accept. It is clear by the fruits that ARE NOT evident in the lives of many, just as it is clear in the lives of those who are striving to be what Christ wants them to be.

But consider, for a moment, that Satan doesn’t make any demands on us whatsoever. For example, we don’t have to put off anything—just do nothing, and it will be fine. We don’t have to try to change our lives and be better—just do nothing, and let it slide. We don’t have to study God’s word—just do nothing, and Satan is as happy as he can be. We don’t have to pray—just don’t, Satan doesn’t want you to talk to the Father about anything. We don’t have to attend the assemblies of the church—use any excuse in the book not to go, and Satan will be happy.

That means you will not be challenged to be any better or do any better. And certainly don’t bother to attend Bible class—for if you do, then you might learn what God does demand of you.

We don’t have to give—give nothing and the work of the Lord will continue to suffer as it has for many years. Missionaries will not be supported, the work will slow down or stop, and Satan will have won yet another battle.

Yep, just do nothing—and go to hell. That is what Satan wants! And before we say—wait a minute, it isn’t that easy—think about the fact that it IS just that easy! Do nothing, be nothing, and all will be “well” as you are ushered into a Christ-less eternity.

Is that really what we want? Or do we make the effort, with God’s help, to be what He wants us to be (Philippians 2:12-13)? IT IS OUR CHOICE!