One of the worst impressions that a Christian can give to an unbeliever is the impression that if they follow Jesus, things in their life will be better.
Of course, I would also say that it’s a true statement that anyone’s life is better for following Christ, but the danger lies in the way that we define “better.”
When I say “better” I mean security of the soul and peace and contentment and joy – all of those good things and more that we know come from following Jesus.
But when unbelievers hear “better,” there’s absolutely no telling what comes to mind. Some of the culprit “better” life ideas include, but are not limited to, God giving me whatever it is I want in life that I believe will make me happy.
When we study God’s interactions with mankind, we start to get a better idea of what we might come to expect our lives to be like when we decide to follow Jesus.
For instance, consider the words that the Lord speaks in Acts 9:15-16 concerning the Pharisee Saul who would go on to follow Jesus and become the Apostle Paul –
15…he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; 16 for I will show him how much he must suffer for My name’s sake.”
There are some really interesting sounding things listed there that Paul will do for the Lord, but his service of following Jesus will come at a very steep price. Consider Paul’s words concerning his personal experience of following Jesus from 2 Corinthians 11:23-28 –
23…in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death. 24 Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. 26 I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; 27 I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. 28 Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches.
I don’t think any of us could get very excited about living through what Paul lived through, but Paul did it all willingly and with gratitude to the Lord. Why? Because hardship with the Lord is better than the greatest luxuries and comforts this world can offer without Him.
Jesus saved Paul and everything Paul did for the rest of his life was in response to that great gift of salvation. Everything Paul did was to say, “Thank you Lord!”
So go ahead and tell people that life is better with Jesus, but be sure to explain what better means! And don’t forget to explain that we don’t live for satisfaction in this life, but in the life to come.
Much love!
Wes LeFlore (918) 607-8489 or huskerwes1@gmail.com
