God never said that being a Christian would be easy. It demands that we die to ourselves, take up our cross and follow Him (Luke 9:23). It means putting to death the ways of the flesh and temptation, and seeking that which is spiritual above all else. Christianity demands that the Lord and the kingdom come FIRST in our lives, or GOD is not in our lives at all. Christianity sets those who follow Jesus apart from the world, and thus they become “different” and persecuted. Jesus said, “You will be hated by all for My name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in this city, flee to another” (Matthew 10:22-23). What is really amazing is that our Lord further commanded that we “love our enemies, pray for those who persecute us and give food and drink to those who seek our harm (Matthew 5:44; Romans 12:19-21). God did not say it would be easy, but He did promise that living the Christian life would be worth it.

I have given this a lot of thought lately in light of the terrorist attacks and Muslims’ desire to kill those of us who are Americans. My first reaction is to desire their death in like manner—but this is the way of the flesh. Realizing that I am a Christian first and an American secondly, demands that I “love them, pray for them and do good to them.” It is not easy.

Further, I have thought about the fact that if I help to usher these into a Christless eternity, then they will be in a hell that we cannot even begin to understand or imagine. The glimpses of this place that Jesus leaves with us is not something I would wish on my worst enemy. Eternity in hell is not a pretty picture in any circumstance, and it is not a place that any should wish upon any one else. We have trivialized God’s teaching on this so much that we do not think it is really that bad, but one second in this place would be more than enough for any and everyone (Luke 16:19ff). To work at helping our enemies stay out of this place is not easy!

Christ died for the Muslims who deny Him, just as He died for middle class Americans. It is hard for us to fathom this, but He wants them to be saved just as He desires our salvation. Our greatest obligation is to preach the message of Jesus to them as we would anyone else. “But Tommy, they won’t listen! What’s the use?” (Sadly, this could be said about most American today as well, can’t it?) It is not our choice to preach the gospel to those whom we think will listen—it is our job to preach the gospel to the whole world! It is not an easy command to obey!

But then, most of the Lord’s commands are not easy, but required if we would be pleasing to the Lord. He gives us the help we need to obey, but let’s not fool ourselves or anyone else—some of them are tough because we aren’t as mature as God would demand that we be! It is not easy being a Christian, but it is worth it! Won’t you join me as we labor for the kingdom together?