Does The Bible Support the Jingle “Nice’n Easy – That’s My Style” As Far as Living In This World as a Christ-Follower?
Many years ago, Clairol had a commercial that said, “Nice’n Easy – That’s My Style!” Now…how does that compare to Jesus saying: “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.” (John 16:33)?
This hair dye jingle flies in the face of what the Bible says about the life lived by a true Christ-follower in this world (by the way, I do not think Clairol was ever intending to make a faith-based statement…just using this commercial to make a point in this post). But so many believers sinfully fight to make Clairol right in order to have a “Nice’n Easy” lifestyle, essentially telling God that His Truth doesn’t have to be correct…at least for them anyway.
We as true Christians must become more and more like Jesus…right? After all, that’s why we were created (Rom 8:29)! So taking just a peek at Jesus’ life, this is what the Scriptures say about it: “The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head” (Matt 8:20). Read about Jesus’ experience in the wilderness and that angels had to come to minister to Him after 40 days and nights of no eating. Or you can meditate on the life He led on earth during His 3 1/2 year public ministry when reading the Gospels. It was very far from easy. Also, read Isaiah 53 and see what mankind’s Savior went through; unfathomable spiritual and physical hardship. Then tell me, was Jesus’ life “Nice’n Easy?” What a paradox, that is, some Christians want it “Nice’n Easy” and actually fight against being Christ-like, denying what He said it would be like in this world for a true Christ-follower. They deceive themselves thinking they deserve to live better than the one and only God-man did on earth. That is just a bit arrogant and prideful…don’t you think? For those who want “Nice’n Easy” lifestyles…do you think you are exempt from the Truth of Scripture?
“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation” (1 Pet 4:12-13).
The end result of wishing for the “Nice’n Easy” lifestyle will ultimately be unreal and unmet expectations, culminating in unnecessary disappointment. The life of a true Christian is not going to be “Nice’n Easy” from a worldly perspective, rather see the apostle Paul for an example of what a true solid Christ-follower’s life might look like (2 Cor 11:23-28). In fact, if it is primarily smooth sailing for a “Christian,” something is biblically amiss. Here is a good level setting expectation for the real Christian for life on earth: “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world” (1 Pet 5:8-9). Know this; the devil’s attempt to devour Christ-followers (the people who he and his legions actively and aggressively target) will not equate to a “Nice’n Easy” ride through this earthly life.
The good news is…life could be incredible from a spiritual perspective if you truly understand why a child of God lives on this earth and what the Lord’s mission is truly meant to be for His child…and then live it out as scripturally prescribed (Jas 1:22). Then in Christ you may have peace (John 16:33)…but your peace will NOT come from this world, instead from Christ Himself (Eph 2:14) via the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22-23). You’re either of the world; or you are God’s child (Matt 6:24). There really is no in between. In fact, playing both sides of the fence sends you straight to hell (Rev 3:15-16) according to the Scriptures.
A life lived by the Spirit (Gal 5:16) is an extraordinary one…enabled only by reaping the benefits of God’s amazing grace! “For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Rom 14:17). God’s upcoming kingdom is something to look forward to once we pass through the fiery trials and tribulations we will experience as aliens and strangers to this world (1 Pet 2:11). But take heart, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (Jas 1:2-5). In other words, when you are going through trials and tribulations, consider it wonderful evidence that God is molding you to perfection just as He promised (Isa 64:8) and He has not forsaken you. Thank God for His molding, rather than doing everything you can to resist it.
Now, does it feel good when you are going through Christ-like molding? For the most part, not really. But simply consider it short-term growing pains; an investment now for a glorious eternal future later. Understand this so you are properly prepared and set the right worldly expectations: a real Christian attempting to live righteously will not have a “Nice’n Easy” lifestyle in this world…that is for sure. You can “take it to the bank” – this based on God’s inerrant, authoritative, and perfect Word! But heaven, a place of “no mores”…how wonderful that will be! There will be no more tears, no more pain, and no more sorrow (Revelation 21:4). There will be no more separation, because death will be conquered (Revelation 20:6). The best thing about heaven is the presence of our Lord and Savior (1 John 3:2). We will be face to face with the Lamb of God who loved us and sacrificed Himself so that we can enjoy His presence in heaven for eternity” (read more: http://www.gotquestions.org/heaven-like.html#ixzz35xEQ0t6O). That result is worth anything you might have to face as “a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away” (Jas 4:14) on this earth.
So then if you truly want ‘Nice’n Easy” as a Christ-follower, heaven is where you should be aiming to have it…not here! And when God gives you earthly blessings, a season of rejoicing, or a hiatus from trials and tribulations, praise Him, praise Him, praise Him…as He loves us and will turn the heat down when He knows His child needs rest. “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matt 11:28). Never take times of ease and rest for granted on this earth, as they will not last forever, except when we are eternally in glory with Him (Col 3:4)! 🙂
(Just to name a few substantiating verses of what a true Christ-follower can expect during his or her earthly life…
“You will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved.” (Matt 10:22)
“Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of Me.” (Matt 24:9)
“Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2 Tim 3:12)
“Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you.” (1 John 3:13)
“I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Rev 2:9-10))