We would all enjoy it being easier to exercise our faith but that is just our flesh talking.

When we have been involved in church building projects, I can’t help but remember the stories missionaries tell of Christians walking for miles for a church service. The church buildings are what we would call picnic pavilions, open air covered areas. No chairs, no air conditioners, no nothing but just purely worshipping God. Then as Americans we spend millions building bigger and newer buildings for our comfort.

In the US, people complain if they have to walk very much from the car to the church building. The church is heated and cooled with cushioned pews or chairs. Yet still there is given every excuse as to why they can’t make it to church each week.

The lake house needed the grass mowed.

The kids slept too late.

It’s my only day to catch up on things, etc.

Maybe if we actually had to suffer for our faith we would not have to deal with so many who say they are Christians, but aren’t. We are told to count the cost. Persecution will help weed out the tares although it will strengthen the wheat. However, it won’t be easy for the wheat.

Tim Brown in The Reformed Gadfly: Cue The Handwringing

“Is your faith in the Lord? Does it lead to obedience regardless of the personal cost? Or is it a sham, good only for displaying on Sunday mornings or in another “friendly environment”?”