There are numerous reasons that people think it is too difficult to practice their religion.  Many people believe that the old days made it much easier to follow Christ.  It is too hard today because of the temptation and what people will say and think.  The Bible-people did not face the challenges and issues that we do today is another related argument.  If we all lived in the time of the pilgrims it would be extremely easy to be pious.

These are all very interesting thoughts.  Unfortunately, there is not much thought put into any of those arguments.  We will start at the top and go over each one.  The old days it was much easier to follow Christ…actually it was fatal to be a Christian.  The Pharisees and Romans were persecuting Christians.  Ever see a gladiator movie and the people that were being fed to the lions in the Coliseum.  Those were Christians being punished for their beliefs!  Saul actually had people stoned for believing that Jesus was the Messiah.

There was less temptation…that is a gray one for me.  Technically, with our technology it is easier to become “exposed” to temptation.  However, the same temptations are there.  There was prostitution and sexual immorality.  We have all heard that prostitution is the oldest profession.  Here are three references from the Bible that discuss orgies, Romans 13:13, Galatians 5:21 and 1 Peter 4:3.  (click here to see the Romans verse… http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=52&chapter=13&verse=13&version=31&context=verse)

Sin and temptation are not new and the Bible even says that Jesus was tempted for 40 days by Satan.  Another part of the above argument talks about what people say and think.  True, people will give you a tough time for being a Christ follower.  I have heard Bible-thumper, Jesus freak and many more.  People have called me many names since the time I was born, just like every other person on this planet.  That will never change. 

Now as for the people of the past having it easier.  Ever see the “Jesus-fish” on the back of cars?  That was how Christians showed others during the prosecution that they were Christ followers.  Back then “the way” is what Christianity was called, was illegal.  People were being murdered for being Christian and had to rely on this symbol to secretly find out if others shared the same belief.

Christians did not face the same issues and challenges…actually they did.  Millions of people died because of diseases.  Tyrants ran the lands and persecuted the masses.  There were wars and very difficult living environments.  God flooded the world because it was so bad.

Lastly, if we were all pilgrims it would be easier.  Do you remember why the Pilgrims came to America?  They wanted to gain freedom of religion because their beliefs were shunned by the government.  They had to travel across sea on a wooden boat and risk the high probability of not making the journey just to be able to practice their religion.

This message may have come across as slightly harsh and for that I am sorry.  There is just not an excuse to not follow Jesus other than you do not believe in Him.  Not being a Christian because it is too hard is not really true when compared to the trials and tribulations endured by the people of the past.  Our lives are not threatened by others because of our beliefs, only our self-esteem.  Being called a name should never impact what you believe and stand for.  Stand strong and open your hearts to the Lord.