But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 2 Corinthians 4:7-10
Jesus said "They will hate you because they hated me first" (John 15:18) This idea of "prosperity gospel" that we Christians are going to live our "best life now" is not only not Biblical, but it's absolutely blasphemous and disgusting. Did Jesus Christ live his best life now, when the world crucified him to a cross? Did the Apostles live their best life after they murdered every one of them, except John? Anyone with little Bible knowledge knows this is a lie straight from Satan
The Apostle Paul describes what life was like for the early Church, "We are troubled on every side, we are perplexed, we are persecuted, and cast down" Does that sound like the "American Gospel"? It's absolutely nauseating to think someone could stand up on a stage, hold up a Bible, and proclaim prosperity in Jesus name. Where is the Fear of God? This is why James warned "not many of you should be teachers, because you will be held under a stricter judgment" (James 3:1)
Now going back to what Paul said, even though we are to expect persecution and suffering as Christians, "We are not distressed, we are not in despair, we are not forsaken, we are not destroyed" You might ask "How is that possible"? Because it depends of your perspective and your faith in Jesus Christ. If you have a temporary, worldly perspective, then your life is going to be miserable. However if you have an eternal perspective, understand Christ defeated sin and death forever, and God's Kingdom is eternal
Not only that, Jesus promised to give us the greatest gift, the Holy Spirit, that is living inside of You! (Luke 11:13) You are not alone or forsaken, God is with us! You are the temple of the living God, the same power that rose Jesus Christ from the dead, this is all you need! Money or possessions will not save your soul as Jesus said "What does it profit you to gain the whole world and lose your soul" (Mark 8:36)
Your best life now? What does Paul continue to say here "always bearing about in the body the dying of our Lord Jesus" As the body of Christ you will suffer the same as Christ! Many Christians don't want to hear that but that is your calling! You were bought with a price, your life belongs to Jesus Christ! Amen!
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