It's Worth It

In life, we have to examine whether or not the things that we do are worth the effort. Is being a Christian worth it? I’m not talking about a church affiliation, but a commitment to Jesus Christ and a lifestyle that fits the commitment. I know that there are many that think that if we live a life of commitment we are fanatics or that we are missing out on all of the “fun” things that life has to offer. As I often do, I thought of a song that we used to sing in church when I was a younger man.

It’s gonna be worth it all
It’s gonna be worth it all
It’s gonna be worth it all some beautiful happy day.
It’s gonna be worth every long mile
Every heartache and every trial
It’s gonna be worth it all some beautiful happy day.

The history of Christianity is filled with enduring hardship. The martyrs are a testimony of enduring through the worst of times. Many church songs are about enduring through troubles and trials. But there are always also songs of deliverance and blessing. I believe that the truly committed are in tune with the blessings, even through times of trouble.

Psalm 34:15-19 tells us that “The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.……Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.” God watches over His own. If you have committed your life to God don’t ever think that God doesn’t care about what is happening to you. God delivers the righteous out of their trouble, if not in this life in the life to come. God is near the broken hearted, the contrite. Prosperity preachers of today say that you have a right to riches in this world because you are a Christian. It’s too bad they weren’t part of the early church. Perhaps the early Christians could have escaped the persecution they endured for Christ. Who wouldn’t rather be rich than suffer persecution? Of course I speak in jest. God never promised to make us rich or even give us all of the comforts of life. But he did promise that He would never leave us or forsake us. I have complete security in my relationship with God. There have been times in history where Christians have suffered and been burdened because they stand in their faith. The Apostle Peter tells us of the many temptations and trials of the early church. Their faith was tried with fire, things weren’t made easy for them. They believed in Jesus Christ though they had not seen Him. Remember that Peter had seen Jesus Christ, he walked with Jesus on this earth. He believed, partly, because he had seen. Peter reminded them that the end of faith is the salvation of their soul. This is also our encouragement today. It is worth it to commit our lives to Jesus Christ.

As a small group, trying to establish a church, we face many challenges. It is our great desire to share the life changing gospel message of Jesus Christ with our community. We pray that our efforts are impacting people in a meaningful way. There is sometimes disappointment when we don’t see the results that we would like. But we don’t do this for the praise of men, we do it for the love of God. I hope you will visit us this Sunday and see why “it is worth it”!