It’s not for sissies.

Johnny Cash is quoted with saying, 
     
"Being a christian isn't for sissies.  It takes a real man to live for God- a lot more man than to live for the devil."  

Yes, the Man in Black, said these words.  And it does.  Being a christian is hard.  Standing up for your beliefs and not backing down when the world tells you to, is hard.  Seeing the world in black and white and choosing what you will do, then being ridiculed and made fun of or fired for your stand is hard.  It is hard to have people laugh at you and and you children for being weird.  But it is worth it.  

Another quote, and this one from TobyMac says, "I don't want to gain the whole world and lose my soul."  From his song, 'Lose my soul'.  

Why would anyone want to give up living for God and live for and in this world?  To let people see that you are a christian, to let them know that you are different, that you have peace that passes all understanding and then go the opposite way is mind boggling.  And what does that say to your neighbors?  When times get tough and you give up praying, and going to church,  starting to live a worldly life.  It says that you were not committed to begin with.  It says that being a christian is not worth it.  It says that you are a gutless flip flopper and go whichever way the wind is blowing.  Worse yet, what does it say to your kids? That they shouldn't try to begin with.  "Dad was a christian for a little while and the world beat him down, why should I even try?"  

It is hard.  But guess what, Christ gives us his strength when we ask for it.  When we leave our burdens at His feet.  " Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."  Matthew 11:28-30 NIV

Living life is hard, and being a christian in this world is not for sissies.  But when we trust in God and seek his face, when we lay our burdens at His feet, it gets a lot easier.  Lay them down and do not pick them up again.  You may have to do this multiple times a day.  Give them over to Him and trust that He can take care of them and you.