Following Christ Is A Joy, Not A Burden

I had a conversation with someone today who told me that he had practically no exposure to religion when he was growing up.  But he said that the few times he did go to church with friends it seemed very “tight-a**ed” [his words].  [He said this to me right in our church fellowship hall. I guess he didn’t realize that people frown upon swearing in the church. I probably should be complimented that he, obviously, didn’t consider me to be so tight-a…well, you-know, so uptight that he was afraid to swear around me. He swore two other times during our conversation, but who’s counting, huh?]

And then he used another word about his limited exposure to religion that either “bothered” me or “saddened” me. I’m still trying to decide which one, maybe it’s both. He said that his impression, as a kid, upon going to church on very few occasions was that “religion was a burden”. The word he used was “burden”.

I told him it was too bad that following Jesus was made to seem like a “burden” to him because, to the contrary, Jesus said that he came to take away our burdens. [Said Jesus, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matt.11:28] A great smile appeared on his face along with a nod of affirmation when I said this.  I took it to be a reaction that happens when you hear and agree with a helpful insight.  But maybe it’s just that he noticed the great looking sandwiches that were being served, at that moment.

My conversation with this man—who genuinely seemed to be curious about God and matters of ETERNITY (the event was the dinner following a funeral service)—reminded me of how we have sometimes, intentionally or unintentionally, created unnecessary barriers and “hoops to jump through” for people who are searching for Christ. Or, we have occasionally presented the most compelling and beautiful message in the world in a way that makes it seem irksome and unattractive and dull and burdensome.

I know that Jesus told his followers to “take up your cross and follow me.”

And I know that there are truths that cannot be compromised.

And I know that the Scriptures clearly tell followers of Christ that there will be trouble and persecution.

Believe me, I’m very aware of those realities of the faith. And they are very important. 

But this is true too…

The gospel of Jesus Christ is the greatest news in the world.

It is a message of forgiveness and salvation and true life, real life, eternal life.

It is a faith that offers joy and peace and hope, real-true hope, a hope that will not fail!

Jesus said that he came to “proclaim that captives will be released.”

And he came to see that the “oppressed” are set FREE!

If people are missing these aspects of our proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ, they are missing something absolutely critical. The joy and peace and enduring love and the ETERNAL BENEFITS of following Jesus Christ far, far, far, far, far outweigh the difficulties and if that’s not true then somebody please straighten me out because I’m operating under a horribly false misunderstanding.

[Some, who know me, are thinking that the possibility of my having a “horribly false misunderstanding” isn’t so far fetched. Nevertheless….]

Check this out:

“The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also SHARE IN HIS GLORY.” Romans 8:16&17

Followers of Jesus will, someday—not according to me, but according to the Bible—SHARE in the very GLORY of God himself!!! Think about that for a little while. While you do, I’m going to go out on a limb and call this remarkably liberating good news.

PHOTO:  That's me pointing to "Romans 8:16&17".  See?  It's really there.  I'm not kidding!  I guess that settles that!