For Moses writes that the man who practices the righteousness which is based on law shall live by that righteousness. But the righteousness based on faith speaks as follows: “DO NOT SAY IN YOUR HEART, ‘WHO WILL ASCEND INTO HEAVEN?’ (that is, to bring Christ down), or ‘WHO WILL DESCEND INTO THE ABYSS?’ (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).” But what does it say? “THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, IN YOUR MOUTH AND IN YOUR HEART”—that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. Romans 10:5-10
Is Following Jesus, Easy or Hard? Both! In one sense the Christian life is impossible. Its impossible to live without the love of God and the transforming power of God’s Spirit. But any person who has received God’s love, forgiveness, and the abiding presence of God’s Spirit will experience what Jesus said “my yoke is easy, and my burden is light”. We may face unbelievable hardship and even suffering, yet God will give us the grace to endure.
Do I find it personally hard to follow Jesus? Not really. Though I battle a world system contrary to Jesus teachings, my own fleshly desires and self-will, on a daily basis I find victory!
God, You have given me the greatest life ever. If I don’t live it in a dynamic, Spirit filled way, I really am cheapening what Jesus did for me. So today, may I walk in a manner worthy of You! Lead, guide, and empower me by Your Spirit.
