No doubt that following Christ is a hard path but Christ do promises us great reward. However, do note that the bible didn't teach universalism (that all will be saved). The bible told us that
gospel is for all people regardless of their race or standing but only those who believ (trust) in Chritst enjoy the benefits of salvation. Are you putting your trust in Him and exercising godliness?
"SO HARD! So many temptation around me! How to hold on?", "Wah, so mah fan, so many rules and regulation, lazy la... No need to follow la.. If I think I can do it then I will do, if not, then it is not part of the requirement of God.", "Oh? Need to follow? Don't know oh, Mummy said Sunday need to go church then go only lo.. Honor your parents mah.. No meh?", "I tried but I kept falling, so what is the point following? Leave it as it is... If I were to be saved, I will be.. By grace mah...."
Are all those part of what you are thinking? Yes? *shake my head* I shall pray hard for you! Who is God in your life? Christianity is never a "religion" only but a relationship! A relationship with Your Daddy! Chrisitianity is never "Because my friends said I can have eternal life if I join, so I go church and started calling myself a 'Christian'". Sorry to break your heart, you are not considered as one if you didn't put trust in Him and follow His will... To be a Christian is not as easy as you have in mind. To live a holy life is never easy. Devil will be there 24/7 targeting you! The nearer you are to God, the more trials and struggling you need to go through! Being a Christian is never because of convenient but conviction!
Are you willing to do that for your Daddy? I am well aware that each and everyone of us are easily tempted but did you put trust in the Lord for once to overcome it? It is a very hard process, I know, but did you try? Didn't God said "Humanity speaking it is impossible but with God, all things are possible" (Mark 10:27)? I was prompted with questions when I said "temptation is too strong so I give way for sin to enter" to a Christian brother. I didn't manage to answer the question... I know I got nothing to answer but to said "I am wrong for looking down at my God's power"
Question 1
Is there anything more desirable than God?
If yes, who is God in your life? Where you place Him in your life? First priority? Last in the list? What is the main factor that made you fall?
If no, why then you fall?
God said no temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
Are you willing to take the way that He has provided you? There's always a price to pay, are you willing to do that? Or is it because it is not convenient for you hence you choose to live in your sins? Is it because God is nobody in your life so His words is nothing to you but the worldly things meant a lot to you? What is right and what is wrong? I think each and everyone knows about it.. It is just the matter whether we carry out the right things or not... Are you doing it?
Bible actually warned us to be careful... We shouldn't be putting our trust in uncertain things. "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matt 6:19-21)"
In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. (1 Tim 6:19)
I was once yearning for money (uncertain things). I work, work and work. Workaholic is my name... Can you imagine? My assistant manager actually asked me not to work anymore and go for a holiday! That is how hard I work... You will see me there almost everyday! Even my lecturer felt sick seeing me there =P I still work now but at least I am not addicted to it as how I was =P I was actually satisfied when I got the salary but sad to say.. I don't have the health to enjoy it. I don't even have the time to enjoy it! I started to think... What have I "gain" throughout the whole process of working? Tiredness is for sure, my temper coming back to visit me, got tonnes of scolding from the manager, got feedback for my work, got health problems, got more problems with collegues as we meet up more often, and the list goes on. Most important thing is.... I... "Disconnect" with God. Besides than having some "extra" money, I didn't see the benefit of working... I rather sit in a boring lecture. At least I gain some new knowledge, no health problems and I have no fights with my friends!
But godliness with contentment is great gain.
For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.
But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.
People who want to get rich fall into temptation and
a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. (1 Tim 6:6-10)
Didn't the bible tell us that? A stubborn little me doesn't seems to take His word seriously. Therefore, ending up in such pityful, pathetic and sad situation.
Why look at uncetain things when God is there to provide you? If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matt 6:30-34). Yes, how little faith I have towards God... Are you the same?
Regardless of what trials you are in, the objective of God to put you in the situation is the same... To test you, to mould you and to make you stronger. I am facing trials myself... Writing this long long post is not for fun sake but to encourage all my brothers and sisters who are struggling with their sins and trials. Let us continue to put out faith in Him! GAMBATEH!!!