Some things are harder to figure out than others. But some things are just plain obvious. In case you’re like me, sometimes the obvious isn’t so obvious.
I’d like to give you five things every Christian should know. They may seem obvious to some, but my gut tells me they’re not obvious to everyone. Or maybe you just need to be reminded.
1. The road is hard. I’m not sure why we ever thought it wasn’t. Jesus Himself promised that in this world we will have tribulation (John 16:33), and in Matthew 7:14 He said, “the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” He warned us to count the cost, to carry our cross, to deny ourselves. Easy? No way. But foretold for sure.
2. Temptations will come. We don’t fight against flesh and blood; we fight unseen forces. No matter where you turn, you’re likely to face trials and temptations. They come in difficult circumstances, they come in difficult relationships, they come all the time, they come when you’re down. Jesus said that, too, in Luke 17:1. So start working on your strategy to overcome them. Here are good places to start: Ephesians 6:10–20 and James 1:2–6.
3. Life is short. James 4:14 compares our life to vapor. You barely see it. That’s good news for most of us. But don’t worry, it gets better!
4. Eternity is for real. That is the good news. One day it will be worth it all! Eternity is for real, heaven is for real, and God is for real. His Word is for real. If that doesn’t make you want to run out and tell the whole world about Jesus, I don’t know what will. It’s also reason to rejoice today, no matter what you’re going through.
5. People are not perfect. This is the last thing every Christian should know–or already knows. People–especially Christians–are not perfect. But we do change by the power of the Holy Spirit working in us. So, let’s be easy on one another, love one another, and be patient. God is changing you even as we speak.
Obvious truths? I sure hope so.
Life-changing truths? You better believe it.
Now let’s try not to forget them.
