A Christian Paradox [And the Only Question that Really Matters]

There is a seeming paradox in living as a Christian. It is both utterly simple and extremely difficult (nay, impossible, but for the grace of God). 

Photo by ihar via Flickr

»The Christian life is simple in that faith the size of a mustard seed is enough. Yet it is difficult in that any amount of faith is sorely tested in this world.

»It is simple in that faith is a gift freely given through the amazing grace of a Father who loves us endlessly. Yet walking out that faith is difficult in a sin-filled, broken world.

»It is simple in that we do not have to be strong enough ourselves to live as a follower of Christ (in fact, we never will be strong enough on our own). Yet difficult in that we must be willing to lay down our strength and pick up Christ Jesus’.

»Being a Christian is simple in that payment for our sins has already been paid in full and salvation secured. Yet it is terribly difficult to comprehend such a gift from a human standpoint. 

Yes, Christianity is insanely simple in its essence. Yet near impossible to accept in our pride. That’s why Jesus talks about the gate to salvation being narrow (Matthew 7:13-14). 

Little in God’s economy is how we think it should be. The least become the most. The humble are rewarded. We are strongest when we are at our weakest. Blood cleanses us white as snow. A lowly carpenter is really the King. Death brings life. Grace is given freely to the undeserved.

In the Lord’s wondrous grace, by His own blood, He paved the way to and through that narrow gate. [←Tweet this]

How are we to understand such upside-down thinking?

The answer: We aren’t.

There are many aspects to our faith, but only one thing that is essential: 

Do you believe? Are you willing to confess Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? 

Questions will always remain. “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not My ways” (Isaiah 55:8). Yet the essential mystery of our faith has been revealed in Jesus Christ. And that is more than enough. 

Oh, I harbor many questions that will never be fully answered until I arrive at the throne. I imagine you do as well. And, that is as it should be.

But Abba Father’s simple yet profound message of salvation is an answer for us all. An answer to the only question that really matters:

Who is your Lord and Savior?

(And the only key to that narrow gate.)

“This mystery is that through the gospel the gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise of Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 3:6).

Reflections: Why do we make our Christian walk so complicated? What are the positives and negatives of our endless quest for answers?

Linking with Ann Voskamp at A Holy Experience in 2013 with my Joy Dare list for Multitude Mondays (#2040–2060, read the entire list by clicking here):

• Red-tinged wispy clouds; Rach’s undaunted friendliness-even after a morning of Dr. appts; Finding Chai tea ingredients
• Ripples on glassy lake surface;Fresh garden veggies; Morning reading while sipping homemade Chai tea & nibbling Biscotti
• Special conversation I had w/ my tween boy while gardening; Sweet end-of-the-night Rachel hugs; Good dental news 4 Zach
• Hubby home w/ fresh Mississippi River fish; College visits scheduled, & it all works!; Spotted a large buck in r prairie
• A groundhog w/ a diminutive tail; Nice first high school marching band performance of the season; Hug from a dear friend
• Drone of evening insects; Beans snapped & fruit juice extracted; Ending the evening w/ popcorn & a game w/ my boys
• Near perfect starry night; Sound of laughter among our children; Full-flavored tang of wild grape & wild plum preserves

 Also linking with this wonderful site: