Why Is It So Hard to be a Jesus Follower?
Ok, I’m conflicted on this question. Let me tell you why. I know why most of us think it’s hard to be a Jesus follower. I also know why it’s actually hard. Oh, and I know why it’s not that hard. One more thing as we get ready to begin. I’m thinking that perhaps you don’t want me to tell you the whole truth about this one.
Why We Think It’s Hard to be a Jesus Follower
Let’s get this one out of the way first. If I asked many Jesus followers why it’s so hard to be a Jesus follower, they might start with the idea in these two verses.
“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.”
- John 15:18-19 ESV
It’s true that the world does hate those who follow Jesus. It doesn’t really have any animosity towards people who claim to be Christians but are still ok with sinful behaviors. However, if you’re actually in alignment with the Word of God, then yeah, the world hates you.
So, we think it’s hard to follow Jesus because the world is cruel, unfair, and antagonistic towards Jesus followers. And it is! I’ve long appreciated the work of the people at The Voice of the Martyrs and other organizations that work to get the message out about persecution of Christians around the world. Hundreds of millions of Christians live under persecution, and an unknown number die every year for their faith. They need our prayers and support.
But if you’re reading this blog, there’s a VERY good chance you’re not living under significant persecution. Your life and the lives of your family are not in danger because you’re a Jesus follower. Yes, living in the west there are challenges from society related to being a Jesus follower, but they aren’t really the reason it’s hard to be a Jesus follower.
Then Why is it Hard to Be a Jesus Follower?
Oh. That one is simple. Let’s let James answer it.
“But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.”
-James 1:14-15 ESV
The trouble for most of us in being a Jesus follower is self-inflicted. Think I’m wrong? Have you ever asked yourself either of the following questions?
Is this movie (or TV show) ok to watch, or is there too much nudity/profanity/violence, etc.?
How far can I and my boyfriend (or girlfriend) go and still be ok with God?
Truth be told, I started with a longer list of questions, but you get the idea. We like to know the limits, and then live as close as possible to them. I’ll tell you exactly why it’s hard to be a Jesus follower.
We read things Jesus followers should not read.
We watch things Jesus followers should not watch.
We listen to things Jesus followers should not listen to.
We do things Jesus followers should not do.
We fill our minds with thing Jesus followers should not fill their minds with.
We do all these things and then we wonder why we struggle in our relationship with God. By the way, I’m not judging you here, I’m laying this out to you AND me. I have done all those things myself in the past, far too often.
Almost every time THAT is why it’s hard for us to follow Jesus.
Except That It’s Not Hard
Here is the situation. If we make it hard, then we can make it easier. Not easy, but easier. We cannot escape the fact that, “all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” But for most of us, most of the time, the problem isn’t persecution, it’s our own behaviors and choices that pull us away from abiding in Christ.
How then do we make it easier? Jesus told us that one too.
“And he said to all, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.’”
-Luke 9:23 ESV
Here is the key to making following Jesus easier. Deny yourself. That’s it.
What does it mean to deny yourself?
Don’t read things Jesus followers should not read.
Don’t watch things Jesus followers should not watch.
Don’t listen to things Jesus followers should not listen to.
Don’t do things Jesus followers should not do.
Don’t fill your mind with thing Jesus followers should not fill their minds with.
I stopped reading certain books. I don’t watch certain movies and shows. I stopped listening to certain types of music. I controlled the websites that I visit. And how can I be so very good at all these things? I can’t. I lack the ability. And yet it still happens. How? How do you get away from these things?
“Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
-Galatians 5:19-21 ESV
Here is how:
“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”
-Galatians 5:16, 22-24 ESV
When you walk by the Spirit, He gives you the power to deny yourself. He lives inside of you, prompting you to do things (and not do things) so that you stay within the will of God.
In Summary
Am I perfect? Certainly not. But beloved, we make it harder than it needs to be to follow Christ. If we simply took the steps we know to take, based on the witness of the Word of God and the Holy Spirit within us, following Him would be far easier. We would better show His love, stay (or become) sexually pure, avoid other sins, and grow more spiritually mature.
Don’t overthink this. Don’t take time to consider what is ok and what is not. If there is any question, then run far from it, and enjoy the freedom God has prepared for you in Christ.
If you have follow-up thoughts, feel free to reach out to me directly via our contact form. Also, if you’d like to learn more about me and why I create all this content about following Jesus, check out my About page. If you love the content and would like to support this work, please visit Troy Stoneking (buymeacoffee.com). Finally, would you like to see a list of ALL our blog posts? Here it is!
Love you Jesus follower!