NOTHING EASILY ATTAINED IS HIGHLY ESTEEMED
- Key Verse
- "For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it." (Matthew 7:14)
READ TODAY'S PASSAGE-
READ THE CHAPTER
Central Truth
Contrary to what you might have heard, following Jesus in the manner He asks us to is NOT easy, but it's worth every effort.
Reflections
This is a comment I first heard in college and have found it to be true in life. When I read this passage, it reminded me that Jesus was clear that obeying and following Him would be hard--very hard at times. Jesus also was clear, however, that the rewards from following Him would be worth it--both on this earth and in heaven. I think we understand this concept intellectually, but it really becomes manifested as we experience life. Take my past year for example:A lot has happened in and around my life. God has been busy as He has blessed, pressed, and tested me. He has blessed me with a son (Benjamin), a new community group that has loved us, some memorable family meals, a healthy business and work environment, and a new appreciation and awe for Him. He has pressed me to bear fruit for Him through my life and my relationships, through increased consistency in His Word, through exhorting me to use my time, talents, and treasure for His glory (not mine), and through newfound fatherhood. Lastly, He has tested me through my wife’s cancer, my brother’s layoff, uncertainty surrounding my wife's pregnancy, a family member’s divorce, and even a broken hot water heater.
In 1 Corinthians Paul compares the Christian life to a race. Anyone who has been in a race knows that it is hard and time consuming, and it pushes you to discipline yourself when you otherwise wouldn't. Why even enter the race? Because victory is sweet, my friends! It makes it all worthwhile. Jesus knows this. That is why He commands us to run after Him without abandon.
Why, then, am I smiling in my picture? I’m smiling because I know the prize that awaits. I trust Him, whom I am trying to build my life upon, and therefore count it all as joy, even the hard stuff. You should, too.
P.S. There is actually one thing easily attained that I esteem the highest. That is a relationship with Christ. Ask me how you can get it, too.
Discussion Questions
1. Do you know how easy it is to have a relationship with Christ?2. How hard has it been to follow Christ at times? How have you responded in the past?
3. Do you have what it takes to spurn the wide road and follow Jesus?
FAMILY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Who is wise (verse 24)? Who is foolish (verse 26)?
2. Reread Matthew 6:19, 7:5, and 7:12. What does Jesus teach, and are you listening and following these teachings?
suz
January 21, 2010 09:22 AM
Bryce! I really enjoyed reading this! Well done, friend, well done.
Bill Deppe
January 21, 2010 09:23 AM
Bryce, Great work today on the devo. Taking the narrow path or running the race can be hard and will test you many times. Having faith in Christ’s plan for you helps you stay the course even in the hardest of times for there is a reasons for the test. Many times it’s not up to us to know or see that reason, but to trust in him.
Robbin
January 21, 2010 10:57 AM
Great reminder that the race is hard but the victory is sweet. Great devotion.
Bethany
January 21, 2010 11:44 AM
This is exactly what I needed to hear this morning. God is so faithful in knowing what we need and providing for us, isn't he? Brings me back to Psalm 119:50 "My comfort in my suffering is this: your promise preserves my life." It is good to be reminded that this life is hard, but to be thankful for his sweet presence amidst the trials and sufferings. Thanks for today's devo, it was right on target!
Blaine Hale
January 21, 2010 03:14 PM
Bryce: I enjoyed your take on today's Journey entry and I can see why you are smiling! Good job. So you enjoy a good movie quote? "Well is there anything else? do you want me to haul you down to the South Pole and bury you down there! all you have to do is ask..." That was an easy one.
Reggie
January 22, 2010 05:07 AM
Good devotional Bryce. Blaine- that quote- From Capt. Col to Augustus McRae in Lonesome Dove?
Kelly Roberts
January 22, 2010 10:11 AM
Thank you for your encouragement and the reminder that in Christ there is victory. I can very much relate to the blessed, pressed and tested- your devo was a good boost for the day!
Bart Johnston
January 22, 2010 12:55 PM
Bryce Thanks for your devo. I appreciate the break down of blessed, pressed and tested...as I focus too much on the tested. I want to be pressed more...so I will be blessed infinitely. Great boost for me today!! Have a blessed day and keep smiling.
Jen Farrell
January 22, 2010 04:30 PM
Great job cuz! You made me smile. Well said regarding the ultimate prize.