A Gloriously Difficult Life

Therefore, keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.
Matthew 25:13

Christianity is not a rest stop on the way to heaven. Instead, the New Testament pictures it as a walk of perseverance. A race of endurance. A battle of spiritual forces.

In the concluding paragraphs of the Olivet discourse, Jesus underscores the challenging demands of discipleship—the necessity of being watchful in conduct and fervent in service.

Oswald Chambers describes these pursuits as those that demand your “utmost for his highest.”

WALK WITH OSWALD CHAMBERS
“The Christian life is gloriously difficult. But the difficulty of it does not make us faint and cave in; it rouses us to overcome. Do we so appreciate the marvelous salvation of Jesus Christ that we give our utmost for his highest?

“Thank God he does give us difficult things to do! His salvation is a glad thing, but it also tests us for all we are worth.

“Jesus is bringing many sons and daughters unto glory, and God will not shield us from the requirements of being his child.

“God’s grace turns out men and women with a strong family likeness to Jesus Christ.”

WALK CLOSER TO GOD
God is working in you to produce a strong family likeness to Jesus Christ. But are you helping or hindering the process?

Construction projects take time. Are you frequently irritated with God’s timetable?

Construction projects involve heat and pressure. Are you seeking the easy way out, stubbornly resisting God’s efforts to shape your attitudes and actions?

Construction projects are costly. Are you willing to pay the price following Christ may involve?

Your utmost for his highest may sound like a tall order. But considering what God has invested in your life, it’s a fitting way to say, “Thank you!”