Paul called himself a servant of Christ. (Romans 1:1) Doesn't that imply someone who has given up everything? Slaves and servants generally are not granted breaks or even a life of their own. In the Christian community that seems to mean, I understand it to mean, that I never get to take a break from being a Christian but surely God does not expect me to sacrifice beyond what is reasonable. What about my well being? What about my needs? Another passage refers to us as soldiers of Jesus Christ. (2 Timothy 2:3) The last time I checked, we were still at war and in war time, soldiers give up everything in order to carry out the orders of their commander. If I was called to active duty today for the war in Iraq and I explained to my commander that I would be happy to fight but I would like to do it from my office in my church in the middle of Nebraska, how do you think that would go over? Yet, I worry that I spend most of my time "negotiating" my position and job with God rather than simply replying, "Yes, sir!"
I am convinced that the Christian life is not for the faint of heart. It is difficult. It is demanding. It is a struggle. It hurts. It is exhausting. How does that fit into the abundant life God promised? Well, I think that life is yet to come. I am not saying that we will not have times of joy and rest here but I do not think we can expect them. God will give us a peace and the power to endure and persevere while we live here on earth but our ultimate rest from the fight will come on the other side, after we have taken our last breath. Until then we must never forget we are in a battle that will only end when Jesus returns.
SCRIPTURE READING
Matthew 20:20-28, Romans 6:15-23, 1 Corinthians 9, 2 Timothy 2
BOTTOM LINE
The Christian life is not up for negotiation. God is looking for soldiers who are willing to simply reply, "Yes, sir!"