A Hard Question
There is a question that scares me. Jesus asked it of some of his closest friends. It echoes in the back of my mind during some of the “hard” times in my life: times when I want to do what I want to do, times when I’m physically tired or emotionally worn out, and times when I don’t have an answer for life’s problems. This question’s answer can change your life in a totally different direction. And it’s not a good direction either.
Jesus was giving a true but difficult teaching to his followers. You can read it in John Chapter 6. It was hard for many of his followers to understand. To others it was offensive. So they left Jesus. They quit following him. They picked up their stuff and went away. He then looked at his closest friends and asked them “the question”, “Do you want to leave too?”
Sometimes it seems easier to leave Jesus rather than stay and follow him. Acknowledge some sin in my life. Leave him. Make a hard decision regarding my pride. Leave him. Give up a comfortable lifestyle. Leave him. Change some of my friendships. Leave him. Stop an addictive behavior. Leave him. Be totally honest with myself. Leave him. Rearrange my work or social schedule. Leave him. Something tragic happens in my life. Leave him. It could go on and on.
I’ve never seen anyone who quits following Jesus improve his life. Most people just regret it silently or live it out bitterly, but they are never better for it. Their family and friends are never better for it.
I have heard it said many times by people who do not follow Jesus that the Christian faith is just for people who are weak and “need a crutch”. I find it to be just the opposite. Sometimes following Jesus takes every ounce of courage and strength you have. I’ve observed it and experienced it enough times to know that it is always the right choice. Not the easy one but the right one.
What is going on in your journey with Jesus? I’m guessing you are running into some pretty hard teachings, some that may even offend you. Don’t be weak! Don’t be a quitter! Push on and keep following him. Persevere. Hang in there!
A follower of Jesus once said perseverance builds character and character builds hope. Stay the course. Hope and character are around the corner.
Eleven of the twelve he asked the question to stayed, one eventually left. His name was Judas. It didn’t work out so well for him. He regretted his answer and decision.
Keep taking steps towards Jesus. Stay with Him and His followers. It is always the right decision!
Together with you in His grace,
Tom
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