Jesus said some hard things that should get our attention. Here is a sampling:

“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you? Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” (Luke 6:46, 11:23; Matt 7:13-14).

Fifteen college professors who taught human motivation were asked to write a concise statement on human motivation. After hours of study, they said: “What the mind attends to, it considers. What the mind does not attend to, it dismisses. What the mind attends to continually, it believes. What the mind believes, it eventually does.”

In short, we practice what we believe. I don’t think we need college professors to tell us something so basic, yet how many of us claim to “follow” Christ when, in fact, we barely give Him the time of day?

I am thankful for God’s grace. I realize how far short of His glory I truly fall. Yet, one thing I do, I strive (imperfectly) to walk with Christ. Walking takes time and effort. If you walk far enough, you might get tired. Sometimes walking with Christ can be tiring because those who do discover the resistance that comes from the flesh, the world, and the evil one.

It can be hard to love as God commanded. It can be hard to forgive others. It can be hard to flee from sin. It can be hard to be thankful for God’s mercy, grace, love, and forgiveness. It can be hard to open up the Bible and actually study God’s Word as we are expected to do. It can be hard to actually apply the Bible to our lives. It can be hard to actually worship in spirit and truth. It can be hard to be a part of the church fellowship where we love unconditionally and daily encourage each other in our walk with Christ. It can be hard to be a servant and actually use the spiritual gifts that God provides. It can be hard to share the gospel with lost people. In short, it can be hard to “follow” Christ as he demands – but demands He does!

Belief always translates into practice. If you are a Christian, quit fooling around with half measures and get on board! 🙂