Living the Gospel

From time to time there are those who say that if we would but follow Jesus Christ faithfully life would nice, happy and easy. Call it the "Gospel of Prosperity" or the "Gospel of the Rose-Colored Glasses." Call it whatever you like, but in the end be sure to call it false.

Today the Master and Teacher sends out to the Twelve with this warning, "You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved" (Matthew 10:22). Those who wish to follow after Jesus Christ should expect difficulty and persecution.

The Lord never promised that life with him would be pleasant, but that it would lead to eternal life, to the satisfaction of the deepest yearnings of our hearts. He requires, rather, that his disciple "take up his cross daily and follow me" (Luke 9:23).

The curious thing is that even after such a warning - and others like it - still the Apostles willing went out proclaiming the Gospel and continuing the ministry of the Redeemer. Though warned that "brother will hand over brother to death," still they went (Matthew 10:21).

When the struggles and difficulties of life come our way, let us, too, with the Apostles, go out to proclaim the Gospel, remembering always the words of the Prince of the Apostles:

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal which comes upon you to prove you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice in so far as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed (I Peter 4:12-13).