A Nice Little Life

John Eldredge, in his book, Walking With God, says this . . .

I want two things that are mutually opposed--I want to live a nice little life, and I want to play an important role in God’s kingdom. And it’s in those times that I am trying to live a nice little life that I make decisions and choices that cause me in small and subtle ways to live outside of Jesus. The shepherd is headed one direction, and I am headed another. Not some flagrant sin—that’s too easy to recognize. Instead, I’m simply wandering off looking for the pasture I deem best. I don’t even think to ask God about it. A very dangerous way of thinking. As Christians we don’t get to live a 'normal' life, and accepting that fact in all the details of our lives is what allows us to remain in Jesus.

When I read this, it really irked me. . . because it is true and truth sheds light on the dark places in our lives. This is my struggle. Sometimes I want this nice little life. You know, the kind that doesn't involve too much pain or sacrifice. The kind that is comfortable and secure. The kind that comes with things, like a nice house, nice vacations, nice "issue-free" people in my life so I don't have to carry other's burdens, nice things like that (not that these things are necessarily harmful, but they can be if they are the focus). But then I also want to live passionately for Christ. I know that my life is not my own, but Christ's.

For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Col. 3:2-3

I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me . . . Gal. 2:20

And in the end, I really don't want a nice little life, because there is no such thing. It is a lie from the evil one. There is only the adventurous life found in Jesus or a meaningless, selfish life. Sounds harsh, I know, but it is true.