At times some people seem to be overwhelmed by the demands of living a Christian life. They know that, as Jesus said, the way to heaven upon which we are to trod is “strait” and “narrow”, so much so that few will even find it (Matthew 7:13-14). They read that Paul warns that it is a way that is sometimes hindered with persecutions and that the evil men and seducers that cause this will only get worse (2 Timothy 3:12-13). And in spite of all of this (and more!), the read that God expects that we live a life “denying ungodliness and worldly lusts” and “should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” (Titus 2:12). It is at about this point that some give up, declaring that no one could live such a life in the midst of all that God warns us we will face! But is that acceptable? Is it true that God gives such a charge knowing that we are just men and cannot ever really achieve such a life? No!! The truth is that God’s desire for us to live godly in this wicked world is not an unattainable act. It is, like all of God’s commands, accompanied with the provisions so that we CAN be and live as He expects. The problem is that too many become overwhelmed by the problems but don’t look to the solutions that God provides. For example, in 2 Peter 1:3 we find that God has given us “all things that pertain unto life and godliness”. The truth is that God, with this challenge to live godly, has given us the means to accomplish it. With God, there is no challenge too great – IF we look for His answer.
Jack H. Williams
