Does Following Jesus Mean Having An Easier Life?

Physically speaking, life is not necessarily easier as a Christian. The Bible makes it clear that suffering comes with living in a broken world, and followers of Jesus are not exempt (John 16:33; Romans 8:17).

In some ways, the Christian life can be more difficult than a nonbeliever's life. Although sometimes we may have answered prayers for physical blessings, we are called to not follow the desires of the flesh (Romans 13:14), and at times, we can expect persecution from nonbelievers (Matthew 5:11; 10:22; 2 Timothy 3:12).

This is not contrary to God's goodness, because He loves to bless (Psalm 35:27; 84:11; 1 Timothy 4:3-5; 6:17). It is His "good pleasure" to give us the kingdom (Luke 12:32). Yet sometimes, He knows that suffering is necessary for a higher purpose. His ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:9). His wisdom is perfect, far more than our limited view (Romans 11:33).

Jesus came to rescue us from eternity in hell, and to give us eternal life in heaven (Romans 6:23). We are called to rejoice in the hope of eternal life in heaven (Matthew 5:12; Luke 10:20).

As we spend time seeking God, He gives us spiritual blessings (Psalm 16:11; Psalm 36:7-8; John 14:16-18).

We also find purpose as we grow in love by serving God and others (Matthew 25:35-40). As we serve Him, we lay up treasures in heaven, where we will never lose our rewards (Matthew 6:20; 1 Corinthians 3:11-14; Revelation 22:12). That is contrasted with the emptiness of a selfish life; for nonbelievers, there is eternal loss (Matthew 16:26), and for believers, living selfishly leads to a loss of rewards (1 Corinthians 3:15).

Even though this life is not easy, we can focus on the hope of heaven (2 Corinthians 4:17-18; Titus 2:13), trust His promise to work all things together for our good (Romans 8:28), and know His peace and joy (Galatians 5:22), no matter what we have to endure.

Living for Jesus is worth it, as He said in Matthew 10:39, "He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for my sake will find it."