Did Jesus say that the Christian life would be easy? No. On the contrary, life becomes harder when we become a Christian. That is the truth. Instead of floating down stream, we now have to push against the current and walk up stream, against culture, against our flesh and against Satan. When we become a Christian, we are strapping a bull's eye to our backs, meaning Satan will target you more. The Bible says that he is shooting flaming arrows at those who are saved. Will God bless us as Christians? Yes, sometimes. But Satan is the ruler of this world. He is described as "the Prince of the power of the air." Being a Christian means picking up your cross, or your electric chair. It means dying to self. It means facing persecution and loneliness. "Narrow is the road that leads to life and few find it," Jesus said. The Christian life is a battle, and it's not easy, but may the Holy Spirit help us all to live the Christian life well. In Jesus' name Amen.