Being a Christian is Hard

Are You Too Christian to Be Human?

Being a christian is hard. If we’re honest, we can all admit that life hurts sometimes. Simply living can be overwhelming—full of struggles, loneliness, and challenges. But living for God? That takes it to an entirely different level of strength, discipline, and grace.

Living a Christ-centered life isn’t easy. If someone tells you it is, they’re either lying or not fully living out their faith because being a christian is hard and definitely not easy. As Christians, we often hear that walking with Christ requires dying to our flesh. Yet, as humans, our flesh is part of who we are. It’s fragile, susceptible, and inherently weak. Matthew 26:41 reminds us:

"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."

Our spirits may be willing, but our human nature can feel like it’s set up to fail. Lately, I’ve been wrestling with this truth—struggling to balance being human while striving to live obediently in faith.

Losing Myself in Perfectionism

Somewhere along the way, I began to focus so much on being the “perfect” Christian—praying every morning, tarrying for long hours praying, not sinning, raising my daughters in faith, and serving others—that I forgot what it meant to simply be. I became consumed with doing everything right: the perfect mom, the perfect friend, the perfect wife, the perfect businesswoman, and the perfect servant of God. But perfectionism is exhausting, and it was robbing me of the joy God intended for me to have.

God never called us to erase our humanity. He created us with both spirit and flesh, intending for them to work together to glorify Him. Proverbs 17:22 tells us, “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” God delights in our joy—not just our acts of worship, but also the everyday moments that bring us happiness.

Rediscovering Joy in Humanity

As I reflect on my journey, I feel God asking me: What makes you smile? What brings you joy? What refreshes your soul? These questions have been humbling, as I realized I’ve been neglecting those answers.

For me, joy comes from the little things: singing at the top of my lungs while driving, traveling to new places, and cuddling with my daughters in the morning. It’s in these moments that I see God’s grace and goodness most clearly. That I am His daughter first.

We cannot pour from an empty cup. Just as we feed our spirits with prayer and scripture, we must also care for our human form. That means taking time to rest, nourishing our bodies, and enjoying the life God has given us.

Finding Balance

God created us to enjoy life, not just endure it. He calls us to steward our bodies, minds, and hearts as vessels of His love. So, let’s take care of ourselves holistically. Let’s exercise, eat well, rest, and find joy in the simple pleasures of life. Let’s embrace being his daughters first. Let’s embrace that while being a christian is hard, God loves encompasses all and are to live life abundantly.

God doesn’t expect us to be perfect; He only asks us to be willing. When we embrace our humanity, we open ourselves to experiencing His grace in a profound way.

Challenge for You
Ask God to show you what brings you joy, and make time for it this week. Whether it’s reading, painting, spending time with loved ones, or simply being still, know that God delights in your happiness.

Thank you for reading, and I pray this reflection encourages you to find balance between your spirit and your humanity.

With love,
Melissa 💛