There are many things in life that look relatively easy in theory but putting them into practice and making theory turn into reality is a totally different story. I am a piano player. I have a college degree in piano and have spent the last 37 years of my life playing. If I gave a person a book about how to play the piano, it would sound simple. The main concept of placing your fingers on the keys and pressing down does not seem hard. When it comes to actually playing the instrument, however, few people make it past their elementary lessons and most eventually give up. The practical reality of playing the piano is that it is difficult. In order to be really good, it takes years of practice and hard work.
The Christian life is similar. Many things we read and learn from scripture do not sound difficult. "Do not worry about tomorrow, tomorrow has enough trouble of its own." (Matthew 6:34) "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Mark 12:31) "Do not have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments." (1 Timothy 2:23) "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved." (Romans 10:9) Try to follow those teachings this week and you will see how the practice of those principles is not a simple life. Now, I know the Holy Spirit is with us. We do not have to do this in our own power - Jesus lives in us and carries the burden, but try to explain how that works and I think that my point is proven even more.
The Christian life is not simple. There are days that I struggle to do what I know in my head is right. As my pastor shared this week in his sermon, "Man looks at what he can see, but God looks at my heart." (1 Sammuel 16:7) I thank God that He sees my heart and knows my intent. He knows how much I want to please Him and do what He asks me to do and He is willing to overlook the times I stumble and screw-up.
SCRIPTURE READING
Sammuel 16:7, Matthew 6:25-34, Mark 12:29-31, 2 Timothy 2:23-26, Romans 10:9-13
BOTTOM LINE
Becoming a Christian is simple. Being human is difficult.