Into the Fire

In the truly meaningful sense, what is there to do that is effortless? I’ve certainly seen people do things so well it looks effortless. And it’s true that some things I think are impossibly difficult are not at all for others, and I’d like to think vice versa.

Some people think speaking in front of an audience (large or small) is inconceivable for them, but I’d love to speak in front of a crowd as opposed to sitting down in front of an editor for the first time trying to pitch one of my books. Some people would rather write the query letter or book proposal than labor over the novel. I detest the query letter and book proposal part of this writing gig—the novel is the far easier and more desirable part of the process for me.

So . . . the even more meaningful “process” of being a Christian? Sold out for Christ? Able to be recognized by word, deed, countenance? Is that effortless? Not for me. The flesh is demanding. The natural tendencies toward sinful thoughts, behaviors, expressions is ever present. Sometimes more than others. It can be a battle to overcome them. It takes tremendous effort as in willful requests to the Holy Spirit to bolster my awareness and give me insight to the schemes of the enemy. A helpful warning: DO NOT FORGET YOU HAVE AN ENEMY. If you do, you ignore one of the basic inclusions of Christianity. Overcoming. And, believe me, it isn’t effortless. And it isn’t simple. And it isn’t fun. But it is oh so necessary.

It’s up to you how seriously you take on spiritual warfare. Some Christians have next to no knowledge of it and give it even less credit. That’s for them to decide. However, I find that those who put all their efforts into being the best Christ-follower they can be face the challenge of battling the enemy in their lives and learn through the teaching of the Holy Spirit by the power and authority of the Name of Jesus what to do and how to effectively do it.

The point of all this is some things are easier than others for all of us. Those things which require 100% of our efforts to devote to them are usually the most meaningful in our lives. Certainly being a Christian is the most meaningful for anyone who has made the commitment to be faithful to Jesus. It’s not easy, and at times we fail miserably. At least I do. The beauty of it is the Savior waits for us to regroup and turn to Him for forgiveness, reinstatement, if necessary, enlightenment, encouragement, chastisement, and always His unrelenting love.

Don’t you think it’s worth all the effort it takes?

Father, help me to be ever loyal, ever faithful, and always more obedient. Help me to expend the needed energy, devotion, commitment, and effort to always, always serve you with my whole heart, soul, body, mind, and spirit. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.