A Promise Worth Living For

Donned in black and gold, the students streamed into the coliseum. The air was electric with excitement as they crossed the stage, shook hands with the dean, and received their diplomas. In what felt like an instant, they had graduated and moved on to “adulthood.” But I remember an equally exciting—and terrifying—day five years earlier: college orientation.

My son and I arrived at the university expecting to participate in an upbeat, energized, welcoming weekend that would infuse both of us with excitement. The student orientation team was enthusiastic as they distributed T-shirts and led the students in learning the fight song. They clearly loved their school.

Nothing, however, prepared us for the welcome speeches. Time and time again we heard, There is a lot of competition here. You’ll be overwhelmed. You will struggle. You will experience your first failing grade. My son was more than just a little intimidated by the time we left.

This university is ranked in the top five in the world for the field of study he wanted to pursue. Students from all over the world want to attend there, and the competition just to get in is tough. Those accepted have always been at the top of their class. Most of them have rarely had to study and have probably never failed a test, let alone a class. They are smart and naturally talented. So why does this university give them such dire warnings?

Because they want them to know the road to graduation day is not an easy path. It’s more like an uphill, rocky climb. They would have to dig deep to find strength and fortitude if they were going to make it.

Yet all those young people walking across the stage that graduation day, including my son, had decided to attend a university warning them about adversity. Why? For one reason: they also promise students who persevere a thorough, well-respected, marketable degree that will equip them to be the best they can be in their chosen field. Companies recruit heavily from there, and an excellent job is almost a certainty for any student who wants it.

Most students decide the promise is worth the struggle.

Like my son’s alma mater, Jesus and the Bible’s authors are blunt about the trials we will face as Christ’s disciples if we attend “the school of Jesus.”

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.” (Matthew 5:11 NIV)

“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves.” (Matthew 10:16 NIV)

“Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues.” (Matthew 10:17 NIV)

“You will be hated by everyone because of me.” (Matthew 10:22)

“It has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him.” (Philippians 1:29 NIV)

“Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8 NIV)

And my personal favorite, “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33 NIV).

Oh my.

Just like those who gave welcome speeches that day, Jesus wants all who choose to follow him to do so with eyes wide open. Christian living—transformed living—is hard. It goes against the flow of the culture. Living according to the standards of the world is much easier.

Giving in to mean-spirited words is easier than holding our tongues. Running up debt to satisfy material desires is much easier than practicing restraint. Quitting is much easier than fighting for that marriage or those relationships. Going to see that movie with friends or clicking on certain kinds of Internet links is easier than choosing not to pollute our minds. Remaining silent during toxic “water-cooler talk’ is easier than walking away and far, far easier than speaking out.

Choosing to live a life that represents the transforming power of the Holy Spirit is challenging. Competition for our attention and loyalties is strong. We cannot rest on our past accomplishments. At times we will fail.

Then why is the opportunity to be a Jesus follower so compelling that we’ll choose to walk this path of adversity and trouble and suffering? Because Jesus follows up every warning with encouragement and promises for a believer’s future.

“Do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” (Matthew 10:19-20 NIV)

“The one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 10:22; 24:13 NIV)

“But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV)

Unlike the school that can only guarantee students who choose to work hard might get the job of their dreams, Jesus makes a firm guarantee to those who persevere in following him as a disciple: “Whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 NIV).

This is a promise worth living for.

Denise Roberts is a wife, mom, and joyful soon to be mother-in-law. She loves sharing a good cup of coffee on her back deck with friends and morning snuggles from her 100-pound chocolate lab, Hudson. She writes with a passion to share how to live holy, where faith and life intersect. Connect with her at www.deniseroberts.org.

Photograph © Rochelle Wilson, used with permission