Jesus taught us it was going to be hard, “Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” (Matthew 7:14 NKJV).
God uses suffering to perfect us by Jesus Christ, “But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you” 1 Peter 5:10 (NKJV)
We are to make disciples (Matt 28:19-20) when many Christians are not disciples themselves. They are believers. If we do not act on that belief, then is it really faith at all.
As we mature and grow in our faith, we will experience discipline (Heb 12:6) and trials (1 Pet 1:6). When we step out on our faith, we will be attacked (1 Pet 5:8)
There is a reason we are given armor, “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” Ephesians 6:11 (NKJV).
We have it too easy in America. We do not have to fear for our life or hide just to hold church. Softening the gospel message is a significant factor in why Christianity is on the decline in America. Souls are walking away from the faith because we are not being real about our faith journey and the cost of discipleship.
Too many souls are floundering after salvation because we are not making disciples (Matt 28:19-20). We need to be real with people because they see through the façade of this blissful, easy life. When we are not honest with them, they think we are either delusional, lying, or something is wrong with them. When they find out it is hard, they quit without fully understanding how to follow Jesus Christ and find the victorious life.
The love and grace of Jesus Christ compel us to follow Him with everything He gave us. We are not doing works so that we can earn some favor or points with God. We are doing His will because we love Him and am humbled by everything, He did for us. He bought us, “For you were bought at a price; therefore, glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God” 1 Cor 6:20 (NKJV).
It is all about Jesus Christ, “that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death.” (Philippians 3:10 NKJV)