Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?”
-Matthew 16:24-26

I used to struggle with how I viewed the Christian lifestyle. I sometimes felt like I was missing out or not living my life to the fullest. However, I learned that Christianity isn’t about rules and regulations; Its all about taking up your cross daily and honoring God in every way possible. Even when it seems like you’re the only one whose living differently.

As believers, we must have heart checks and evaluate what we perceive to be inconvenient and convenient. Often times the Christian lifestyle is viewed as inconvenient, and so many people focus on what Christians aren’t “allowed” to do. However Christianity does not thrive on legalism, and God isn’t a puppet master. We have free will, and we get to choose what we want to do. God calls us to holiness because it’s the best option for us, we should never view godly living as a disturbance. Throughout the word of God, we see several examples of people that chose God’s way, and others that didn’t. However, we know from reading the word that God’s way is the best way, and we obtain favor by following Him. All in all, righteousness is the better option, and sometimes it is viewed as inconvenient. However, it truly isn’t!

Christianity is often associated with inconvenience because living for God isn’t easy. Being in a relationship with God requires us to depart from sinful nature, and instead embrace God’s way. Needless to say, we must be completely intentional, and not indulge in the ways of the world. God calls us to live a set apart life (1 Peter 2:9), not an inconvenienced one. Honestly what many may call inconvenient, truly isn’t inconvenient; it’s sacrificial and challenging.

If we are to take a look at Jesus’s life then we will see the abundance of seemly “inconvenient” things that he took on. Instead of dwelling in heaven he came to earth as a man and endured the troubles of this life. He didn’t have to, but he chose to! He worked as a carpenter, he traveled many miles to preach the gospel, and he was battered and abused on the cross to the point of death. However Christ did those things out of love, he didn’t come to be served but to serve (Matthew 20:28). He laid down his life and took on our iniquities because he didn’t want us to suffer in hell. Nothing that Christ did was easy, it all required sacrifice. However, he didn’t view his life as inconvenient but as an opportunity to do his father’s will. We have been called to live our lives with the same intentions that Jesus did.

For someone that doesn’t love the Lord, abstaining from sex, turning the other cheek, going to church, etc. May seem a bit “extra” and unnecessary. However, when you love the Lord, you realize that there is no request that is too big. Christ did what many people would perceive as inconvenient for God’s glory, and as a result, we aren’t chained to sin. It’s all about perspective! If we glance at the work that Christ did, then all we may see is some form of inconvenience; however, if we are to take a look at the results of his labor than we will see dedication. We mustn’t dwell on what we may not be doing, and remember that living for God is the most beneficial thing that we could ever do!

Inconveniences are bothersome, disruptive, and time-consuming; ultimately having a relationship with God isn’t inconvenient.

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Hi my name is Blessing Svosve and I was raised in the church, in fact both of my parents are pastors so I wasn’t a stranger to the gospel growing up. I have always believed in God, however I didn’t always allow Him to move in my life; and sit on the throne of my heart. Countless times I said the sinners prayer, but I still misunderstood the meaning of salvation. Every time that I asked the Lord to come into my life, I neglected to let my guard down. Over the years I had allowed myself to become an easy target and a victim of sin. I often tried to hide myself behind my quiet voice and shaky confidence. I remember feeling very overlooked in middle school because I struggled with self worth; sometimes I even felt like I wasn’t good enough. Little did I realize that my imperfections were a cry for help.

Although I never questioned God’s existence, I often questioned my value, purpose, and His love for me. However God revealed to me that I wasn’t just a random creation, but that I was His daughter. That revelation saved me from living a life of total despair. I had to learn that my identity was found in Christ, and not my insecurities. Although I don’t remember the exact day that I recommitted my life to Christ, I do remember the season. It was my 8th grade year, and I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. I wanted to be close to God and have a relationship with him. I was at my lowest and I was running on empty, however the Holy spirit wasn’t turned off by my imperfections and he pursued me. I knew that having a relationship with God wouldn’t make me perfect, but I knew that it would make me whole. Instead of trying to run from my flaws, I began to lay them down at the feet of my father.

Over the years I have learned that God’s love for me is eternal and that He never disappoints. The Bible tells us in John 10:10 that “…The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy”. The enemy is on a mission to strip us of our identity and make us feel like slaves to sin, instead of children of God. I have seen this first hand in my life but I have great news, we have new identities thanks to our Lord Jesus Christ! I have seen God completely change me; and He is faithful to the end. I look back at my life and I honestly don’t recognize who I used to be.

All glory to God!

BlessingBlessing is a blogger, speaker , social media lover, and last but not least a Jesus enthusiast! She enjoys doing ministry online and in person. Her passion is to inspire todays youth, and bring about change.

Visit her website and social media on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook!