“The Christian way is different: harder and easier,” C.S. Lewis once wrote. I understand the wisdom in that statement. Someday in heaven, I hope to thank him for all his wonderful works, but most importantly for this one profound observation. In my mind, I see it as simple but hard.
For those who do not believe in our one true God, call them agnostic, deist, spiritual but not religious, higher power seeking, secular, or pagan, life is still hard. They have to parse between good and evil. They question the goodness of God, or try to navigate right and wrong with a compass that has no true north, or end up inventing a new golden standard that simply conforms to their own life. It is hard, no matter what you call yourself.
But for those who have acknowledged that our one true God has done everything possible to save us from eternal damnation, even dying on the cross for us, life gets easier, and yet harder, all at the same time.
Why should it be hard? Because we are commanded to swim against the current of the world’s enticements. A constant pull away from reliance on God and toward reliance on self. The battle against the temptation traps laid by Satan and his minions, the self doubt and feelings of worthlessness, all draw from an identity rooted in self instead of an identity found in our Lord and Savior.
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
-Romans 12:2
However, I love the easy part. It makes the hard part bearable, too. I am no theologian, but I think the key is not to forget the helmet and the breastplate while donning the armor of God: your salvation through Christ, and His righteousness imputed to you.
“Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;“
-Ephesians 6:14-17
I have noticed that my heart most often becomes unguarded in three ways:
- By others, through their words or actions
- By circumstances that translate into sorrow, trials, and loss
- By my own words, thoughtless words that caused harm and returned to me as a consequence
The antidote to each of these seems to be the same in spirit, though different in practice:
- Forgiving — “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)
- Rejoicing in trials — “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18)
- Repenting — “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” (Acts 3:19)
If you had to gift us something, bring my husband a cap and me a pair of Prada or Louboutin, depending on how much you like my cooking. My husband loves his trucker hats and baseball caps. I love my shoes, the kind that look good but were never built for war. Neither of those, his hats or my shoes, would survive an actual battle, let alone a spiritual one. They are accessories, not armor. It is a silly comparison, but it makes the point. We often walk into spiritual battle dressed for a casual Saturday rather than dressed for war.
Satan and his minions are going to throw curveballs at us. They will mess with our heads. Lies will try to take permanent residence in our minds. Hopefully, with the help of Scripture, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, we can evict these thoughts before they unpack their bags.
- Remember that Christ died for us, and feel the breastplate securely fastened. No one can take that away from us.
- Focus on God always, filling our hearts and minds with awe for Him and gratitude for adopting us. “Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established.” (Proverbs 16:3)
If you are disheartened today, please remember that God is walking with you through your valley of pain. If things are looking up, remember to rejoice and be grateful for the blood of Christ. God bless you.
Dear God,
Thank You for constantly assuring me that You are in control. As long as I keep my eyes focused on You, Jesus, I will not sink. Your kindness has allowed me to have a happy life as a sojourner here, until I come Home to You. I pray in Your precious name, Jesus. Amen.