The Christian's Earthly Life

by Edward O. Bragwell, Sr.

The life of, even the best among Christians, is one of both joy and suffering. They suffer their share of all the infirmities common to all people as a result of living in a world marred by sin. Like all people, they hurt (physically and mentally), they have tragedies that affect their lives and those they love, they are victims of the sins of others, and they have to earn a living by the “sweat of their brow,” just as do others. The list could go on.

They, also, enjoy and participate in many of the innocent pleasures enjoyed by their neighbors. They rejoice with those that rejoice as well as weep with those that weep, even with their non-Christian neighbors.

Besides the problems common to man, Christians take on the additional responsibilities and problems in being obedient to the faith. Persecution, in some form, goes with the territory. (2 Tim 3:12). They add suffering as Christians, to their suffering as humans. Besides all this, they are not promised relief from poverty or physical infirmities, as the “health and wealth” gospelers deceptively proclaim. Without the hope of life beyond this life, they would indeed be a people to be pitied. (1 Cor 15:19, 32). But, as a Christian focuses on the life to come, he can live a happy and productive life here in the face of the all the difficulties involved, because of the mind-set that faithfully studying and practicing God’s will create within him.

1. It is a mind-set that considers all his suffering insignificant compared the glory he sees awaiting him. (Rom 8:18).

2. It is a mind-set that is convinced that godliness is profitable both in this life and the one which to come (1 Pt 4:8). He knows that his life might not give the most fleshly pleasure or best earthly advantage – but he knows it is still the most profitable life that he can live.

3. It is a mind-set that believes that God only does what is best for him. He understands that God only commands what is good for him (Deut 10:13). That is why he does not consider the commands a burden (1 John 5:3). He knows that while God’s discipline may cause pain for the present, but it will bear pleasant fruit in the future. (Heb 12).

4. It is a mind-set that can rejoice and be content in the midst of circumstances that would overwhelm others. (Acts 5:40-41; Phil. 4:11; 2 Cor 12:10).

5. It is a mind-set of a pilgrim in a foreign land. (1 Pt 2:11). He joyfully seeks to do all the good he can do and enjoy all of God’s temporal blessings while passing through this present world, but always looking to the day of his homecoming. (Tit 2:11-13).

 

Other Articles by Edward O. Bragwell, Sr.
The Gospel of Community Service
A New Dogma
When They Go Out From Us
Is Unrestricted Loyalty a Virtue?
Of Me and Change