Takin’ the Easy Way

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. (Hebrews 11:1 NIV84)

With so many distractions screaming for attention, exceptional teachings from brothers, such as George P. Wood, are refreshing.  To the soul and spirit his article entitled “Real Protection,” Daily Boost, April 11, 2014 was like a “breath of fresh air in a smoke-filled room” because it reminds the reader to focus on the core of true faith.  The following excerpts are taken from that article:

“I find it important to stress this point for several reasons: (1) Some Christians seem to teach that faith saves you from all the ills of the world: from poverty, sickness, depression, persecution, etc. That is hardly what Jesus taught…”

…

“And anyway, (2) Christianity is not a panacea for every ill. It is a cure for the very specific sickness of sin and the spiritual and eternal death that results from it if not treated. That cure is resurrection into an eternal life with God.”

…

“Seeing this, we are able to affirm that (3) God protects His people, not from all harm, but from ultimate harm, so that through the power of resurrection, they might spend eternity in His presence.”

…

“As we suffer the world’s harms and await God’s ultimate salvation of us, let us never forget that now is the time to invite others to experience the eternal protection that God provides all His people.”

 

A Core Problem

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14 NIV84)

“Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:27 ESV)

Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.  (2 Timothy 3:12 NLT)

As noted in these and many other passages of Scripture, an “easy way” does not exist, i.e., all men are given the right by God Almighty to exercise their free will, choosing either to, (1) place their faith in the narrow gate that leads to life, or (2) place their faith in the broad way that leads to destruction.

You read correctly!  Even taking the “narrow road” isn’t an “easy way” if one is only focused on the temporary!   And, knowing that taking the broad road can ultimately lead to eternal destruction, defining it as an “easy way” would certainly be deceptive!

 

Causes 

So why do so many believe, even when choosing the small gate and the narrow road, that they can demand an “easy way” in this earthly sojourn between the cross of Christ and His second coming to claim His bride and bind Satan?   God’s Word is very specific that the struggle during this age on earth is intense and incessant and one for which we must be equipped:

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.           (Ephesians 6:10-12 NIV84)

Although many causes may be cited as reasons for choosing to pursue an “easy way,” the inadequate amount of teaching today about the fear of the Lord could certainly be high on the list.  If we believe that God is our “butler” from whom we can demand anything our old Adamic natures want, why would we fear Him?   To the ears of man’s old fleshy nature, it sounds wrong to call the fear of the Lord a blessing.  As noted in a previous Been Pondering post, some have even distorted God’s Word by calling a curse, a blessing, and vice versa (see Quail—Blessing or Curse). I presume they theorize if God loves man supremely why should man fear Him?

In addition, perhaps the lack of understanding about the fear of the Lord is passed along to children as the result of men who do not understand how to be earthly fathers. Too many men tend to abdicate their God-given responsibility and authority by ignoring their children’s misdeeds, or they lash out in rage any time their children make a mistake.  A child finds security in the authority of his father, because children—who are immature—need boundaries.  Even if a child is extremely confident of his/her father’s love, the child with a strong father knows that disobedience will result in his/her father’s displeasure and discipline.

The point is specifically and clearly addressed in Scripture as follows:

“And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.” Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”           (Hebrews 12:5-11 NIV84)

The spiritual maturation process requires ever-increasing knowledge that Father God’s love is not a feel-good sentiment, but is a strong commitment to our eternal good.  Regardless of the number of years one has walked with the Lord, it critical to remember,

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9 NASB)

We serve a holy God.  We cannot enjoy fellowship with Him IF we choose to abide in unrepented sins.  Thus, the command of Scripture is,

As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:14-16 NIV84)

The enemy of mankind is steadfast in his goal, which is to steal, kill and destroy.  And that satanic goal will not cease in this age until Jesus Christ returns to this earth to put a final end to Satan, who is the current ruler of this world (see John 12:31; 14:30) and prince of the power of the air (see Ephesians 2:2).  Yes, Jesus Christ through the shedding of His blood on the cross paid the debt owed by man to God.  It was an unfathomable debt, which man could not pay.  However, Jesus has not yet returned to this earth to catch away His bride and bind Satan and his demonic forces.  Until that Day of the Lord, God’s Word tells us,

…but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. (Romans 8:23 NIV84)

 

Suffering & Faith 

It has been said that suffering is inevitable, but misery is optional.  Thus, as always, we have a free will to choose.  Will we choose to wallow in our own misery or seek God’s joy, which is joyous and beyond words?

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.” (1 Peter 1:3-9 NASB)

Through our suffering, God accomplishes in us what could not be done by any other means. C.S. Lewis wrote, “Pain insists on being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciences, but shouts in our pain.  It is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”

Knowing that God has a purpose in our pain, and trusting ourselves to His loving hand is the core of true faith.  While suffering may endure for a lifetime in this mortal body, Scripture encourages us that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us (see Romans 8:18).  Therefore, we should always look to the invisible (eternal perspective) and not the visible (temporary earthly sojourn) for our comfort and strength (see 2 Corinthians 4:18).

Whenever (note that I did not say IF) suffering comes our way (see Acts 14:22b), choose to bow down before Almighty God who grants favor (grace) even though we do not deserve it. That’s what Job (a man of true faith) did (See Job 1:20). 

Remember that God does not stand aloof from our suffering. He has in fact entered our suffering through His incarnation and terrible death upon the cross.  He chose to identify through suffering with His creation who had chosen to disobey His commands.

Because our Lord has experienced the full measure of suffering, He has provided a way through Himself in which we can come before Almighty God confidently in prayer and be assured that we will obtain mercy and find grace to help in our time of need (see Hebrews 4:16). 

Repeatedly throughout Scripture is the reminder of God’s sovereignty and goodness.  The sovereignty of God simply means that He alone rules and reigns over His universe.  Nothing happens to us in life that is outside of God’s purview.  When experiencing with pain and suffering, this may not initially sound so comforting.  However, when we understand why God allows us to suffer, we can then be comforted.

Scripture is clear that our gracious and loving Father allows trials and tribulations for our ultimate good (see Romans 5:3; James 1:3; 1 Peter 1:7).  Even in the worst tragedies of life God has a way of working through them for His glory and our good (see Romans 8:29), which is to conform us to the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. 

 

Conclusion 

The old selfish nature will always tend to seek an “easy way” and lend an ear to “feel-good” theories.  Even though such beliefs fail when put to the ultimate test, those who are trying to keep the immature Christians on the right track are hard pressed due to today’s crushing influx of “I want it now” demands.

Therefore, maybe a song can reach the one who can’t seem to concentrate on sound teaching.  For a basic primer on this topic, the song and lyrics of “Takin’ the Easy Way” might serve in this arena.  The audio (4-minutes in duration) is embedded below.

All of my life they said be quiet

Be quiet for cryin’ out loud

Takin’ the easy way

Isn’t an easy way

 

Even a fool when he is silent

People will think he’s wise

Takin’ the easy way

Isn’t an easy way

 

In Your footprints this is what I read

Tell the children tell them what I said

Tell all the nations, tell them I’m not dead

My yoke is easy yes my burden light

My yoke is easy and my burden light

 

I might be taken by my sadness

And still be filled with joy

Takin’ the easy way

Isn’t an easy way

 

Hope of the hopeless I have taken

To sing my silent song

Takin’ the easy way

Isn’t an easy way

 

My heart is bursting, bursting with Your words

I will tell them, tell them what I’ve heard

So the broken hearted will be cured

For there is healing, healing in Your wings

Yes there is healing, healing in Your wings

 

So I take You into my weakness

I’m weak but You are strong

Takin’ the easy way

Isn’t an easy way

 

Learning of You has made me give up

Give up all that I am

Takin’ the easy way

Isn’t an easy way

 

Transformation in every word

Relocation hell to heavenward

Education says that you’re absurd

Takin’ the narrow road isn’t an easy way

Takin’ the narrow road isn’t an easy way

Takin’ the easy way isn’t an easy way