The life of a faithful Christian certainly is not an easy walk. We are told that we will suffer many times throughout the New Testament (Matthew 5:10-12, Luke 6:21-26, Romans 8:17, II Corinthians 1:5-7, II Timothy 3:12, James 1:2-3, I Peter 1:3-9, etc.). There is a great cost in the flesh to faithfully serve our Lord and Savior (Luke 9:57-62; 14:26-33; 21:16-17). Thus, being a Christian is “no laughing matter”. However, in all that we suffer for Christ, we are to find joy in those sufferings. Notice the inspired words of the Apostle Peter: “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified” (I Peter 4:12-14). Having therefore seen that we shall suffer, but should have happiness throughout those times, we cannot excuse our misery on the faith. That leaves me to wonder why it is that I have met so many who call themselves Christians, worship with the saints, work for the local bodies of Christ, yet they act so miserable. Some, I know would seem to never have a moment of joy unless it is a hideous laugh while complaining about something or someone. There is more joy in a morgue than with some who are supposed to be the elect of God (cf. Colossians 3:12). Are you a miserable person? I mean, maybe you smile from time to time, but is it a real feeling showing through or not? Are you filled with joy or do you always feel like you have already died and have gone to torment (which is where the miserable “Christian” is heading as we shall see in this article)? Consider this passage before reading on, and if you are miserable what does this mean for you: “Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the Lord” (Psalms 144:15). In the quote above we see that the people of God are a happy people. Thus, if you are a miserable person, you know for sure you do not meet this clear identifying mark of God’s people. If we know the Lord, we understand that our days of suffering and all that we face in the flesh are temporary with a great end to come (Hebrews 3:14 and I Peter 1:9). How can we be miserable seeing the great things that await us in eternity (Hebrews 11:16; 13:14)? Still, there will likely be those who read this article and they will be made more miserable. They may even begin to try and wiggle out of the fact that God’s people are to have joy and happiness in their lives rather than misery. For those who will look for ways of discounting the truth on this point, consider the following direct quotes from the inspired word of God: “Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart… Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God: Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever… He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he… If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full… And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost… For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement… But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law… That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness… That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory” (Psalms 32:11, Psalms 146:5-6, Proverbs 16:20, John 15:10-11, Acts 13: 52, Romans 5:10-11, Galatians 5:22-23, Colossians 1:10-11, and I Peter 1:7-8). With the evidence above no one could make an argument that a Christian should be a miserable person. Still yet, we know some will want to find a reason to even complain about the truth we have studied through in this article. Let me help these miserable people continue to have their bad day with a special note to them:
You’re going to Hell since you pretend to be a Christian and disobey the Lord by being a miserable person (II Thessalonians 1:7-9). You obviously are a true unbeliever since you fail to see the joy we have in Christ. This means you are going to have a long swim in a hot pool (Revelation 21:8). You’re going to burn morning, noon, and night for all of eternity (Mark 9:43-48). You think you’ve had a bad day today, wait until you hear the Lord say, “depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matthew 7:23). You have two options. You can either choose to stay on the course to Hell or you can repent (Luke 13:3). Just make your choice so your misery doesn’t make those joyful around you any more irritated! All sarcasm aside, we have a lot to be happy about. There is no reason at all Christians should live in misery. Whether we suffer or not, we still have all we live for here and now to look forward to later (Colossians 3:1-4). What is your life? If it is Christ, things here cannot get bad enough to bring you down! |
| Volume VIII ~ Issue XXIX ~ April 13th, 2008 |
Words of Truth Weekly - Online Edition
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What must one do to be saved (Acts 2:37)? Hear and believe the Gospel (Mark 16:15-16 & Romans 10:17), repent of their
sins (Acts 3:19), confess Christ (Acts 8:37), and be baptized (immersed) for the remission of your sins (Acts 2:38 and
Romans 6:1-6). Upon your obedience to these requirements of the Lord He will add you to the church of Christ (Acts 2:41; 47
and I Corinthians 12:12-13; cf. Romans 16:16). One must then remain faithful (Colossians 1:23 and Revelation 2:10). There is
more to cover than is here. Contact me today for a study: brianyeager@wordsoftruth.net
sins (Acts 3:19), confess Christ (Acts 8:37), and be baptized (immersed) for the remission of your sins (Acts 2:38 and
Romans 6:1-6). Upon your obedience to these requirements of the Lord He will add you to the church of Christ (Acts 2:41; 47
and I Corinthians 12:12-13; cf. Romans 16:16). One must then remain faithful (Colossians 1:23 and Revelation 2:10). There is
more to cover than is here. Contact me today for a study: brianyeager@wordsoftruth.net
| Edited by: Brian A. Yeager |
| What Makes Some “Christians” So Miserable? By: Brian A. Yeager |
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| If You’re A Miserable Person You Do Not Know The Lord! |
| Conclusion |