One of the most catastrophic things people have done to Christianity over the years is to try to make everything “easier” to believe and less likely to drive people away. People often argue, “Oh, well – we don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings or turn them off to God.”
However, Jesus had an entirely different approach. When the rich young ruler came to Jesus asking what it would take to truly be His disciple, Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” (Matthew 19:21) And the man went away “very sorrowful” the Bible says. Jesus knew before hand what the man’s reaction would be, yet He didn’t try to come up with an argument to soften the blow. He didn’t try to make it “easier” for him to swallow.
After His teaching on the Bread of Life in John 6, the Bible tells us, “After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him.” Jesus didn’t run after them begging, “Okay, let me rephrase that teaching and make it a little more palatable for you. I didn’t mean to offend you!”
In Luke 9:23, Jesus CLEARLY explained the truth about being a follower of His, “And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” The Christian life is NOT an easy road on a bed of flowers, it is DIFFICULT. In fact, it is IMPOSSIBLE apart from the power of Jesus Christ who lives inside us.
In His sermon on the mount, Jesus taught “For the gate is NARROW and the way is HARD that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” (Matthew 7:14). Jesus didn’t water down anything about the Christian life. He clearly and plainly explained that if we TRULY want to follow Him and know Him, it will cost us! And if people didn’t like what He said, He didn’t apologize or try to make it easier for them to believe or understand.
Charles Spurgeon said, “Do not try to make the gospel tasteful to carnal minds. Do not hide the offense of the cross, lest you make it of no effect.” It is the Holy Spirit who works in people’s hearts and lives and ultimately draws them to Himself. We are simply to spread the TRUTH about Christianity and tell it like it is. If people don’t like it or get offended, that’s not our problem – they must answer to God.
It’s not an easy road
We are traveling to heaven,
For many are the thorns on the way;
It’s not an easy road,
But the Savior is with us,
His presence gives us joy every day.