Have you ever had someone describe the pros and cons of something, and they play up the pros and downplay the cons by saying, “That’s just part of it”? We use this phrase to describe something good enough to make the hardships, the struggles, and the problems that come along with it worth it. The good is worth it IF you can handle the hard. It’s also a warning. You can’t have one without the other.

1. How are we supposed to act as Christians?

Live as heavenly citizens in a manner worthy of the Gospel by which we were brought into that kingdom. Simply put, we are being emphatically called to be different and to act like it. Act like you don’t belong here.

2. What does it look like to act worthy of the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

• A. Resolute
• B. Unified
• C. Active
• D. Courageous

3. Why is it difficult to act worthy of the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

• A. People are Difficult
• B. Life is Difficult
• C. Faith is Difficult

4. What else is part of it?

It seems we often pull the bait and switch where we only present the good and hold the bad until later, but Jesus Himself never did that. Every time the multitude showed up to follow Him, He would tell them the whole truth. Jesus pulled no punches; he was never interested in His follower count; he was interested in disciples with a resolute, unified, active mindset. He said, “Whoever wants to come after me, let him take up his cross and follow.”

A Savior who calls all who are weak and weary of carrying the heavy loads of guilt, failure, and anxiety to come and find rest in Him. Paul ends his letter by telling the Philippians to “be careful or anxious” over nothing. Yes, there are hard times, but we can bring those to the Father who loves us.