�I know what you Americans like - you like everything the easy way.� Although Pop often struggles to find appropriate English terms and works hard to construct sentences, this statement flowed out of her mouth with ease and conviction. Two young ladies from Thailand spent some time with us recently, and this phrase stayed with me long after they left. A few friends were over, and as we were discussing the differences between our two countries, Pop (her first name, I can�t spell her last name any better than I can pronounce it) easily identified one of the most glaring contrasts between America and Thailand. We laughed, not so much because it was funny but because it was true.
We love things that are easy. In fact, no matter what item we purchase, it won�t be long until one comes out that is even easier to use. TV and radio commercials reveal products at war with each other over which one makes our lives easier, and consumer debt in America reveals a buying public who can�t resist the latest in innovation. Experts tell us that if Americans bought only what they could afford, our economy would suffer tremendously. It is built on the assumption that we will over-spend.
In such a context, Christ�s call to discipleship will sound strange, even foolish. Jesus did not come for the purpose of giving us an easy life. A life of abundance, yes ( John 10:10). A life of assurance, yes ( Matthew 6:25). But an easy life? This is the same Jesus who told His listeners that the way which leads to life is hard ( Matthew 7:14), and told His apostles that He was sending them out as sheep among wolves ( Matthew 10:16). Living a Christian life will not always be easy.
This is not an indictment against modern technology; it is simply a reminder for all of us. We have become so engulfed in a sea of consumerism - a mentality that focuses on what product will best meet our needs (make our lives easier) - that if we aren�t careful, we can let the same attitude wash over our spiritual lives. When that happens, Christianity becomes less about what I can give to God and more about what I can get from Him. A worship service becomes less about the sacrifice of praise I offer and more about whether or not I like the songs we sing. Before I know it, the church becomes less about being the hands and feet of Christ and more about having my needs met.
I suppose the reason Pop�s comment resonated with me is because I see myself in her statement more often than I like to admit. If we are honest, we all struggle with the temptation to make life easier rather than make our lives a living sacrifice. I believe God knew we would face such a challenge, so He filled His Word with constant reminders about eternal life. His disciples were mistreated, yet they could recall Jesus� reminder that in His Father�s House, there are many rooms. Early Christians could bear their persecution by remembering Paul�s sentiment: �For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.� This provides us with an excellent strategy to combat Satan�s consumerism temptation. The next time we are tempted to pursue an easy life, why not read a few passages about our eternal life? It is one product which will never be �new and improved,� and even though we can�t afford it ourselves, Christ bought it with His blood. Living as a Christian might not be an easy life, but I can�t think of a better one.