There are a lot of harsh and difficult consequences of becoming a Christian. Yes, it’s not always highlighted as most people focus more on the positive feeling.
However, did you know that being a Christian is not easy? Many people join Christianity, expecting a life of ease, only to find that their new path is fraught with challenges.
False teachers often promise that faith in Christ will lead to wealth, health, and a life free of trouble. But when these promises fail to materialize, disillusionment sets in, and some are tempted to abandon their faith altogether.
Friends, the truth is, being a true Christian brings immeasurable blessings, but it also comes with significant challenges. Christianity is not a bed of roses, but knowing this truth equips us to face what lies ahead with courage and perseverance. Understanding the cost of discipleship helps us set realistic expectations and strengthens our resolve to stay the course.
In this message, we will explore the five most challenging consequences of becoming a Christian—consequences that, if not understood, can lead believers to abandon their faith.
1. You Will Be Hated by the World
The world is under the influence of Satan, and it loves those who are aligned with its values. But when you choose to follow Christ, you set yourself apart from the world, and this separation inevitably leads to conflict. Jesus (properly known as Yahshua) warned us in John 15:18-19:
“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.”
These words are a stark reminder that choosing Christ means choosing a path of opposition. If you have become a Christian and still do not feel the world’s hostility, it might be time to reflect on whether you have truly separated yourself from worldly influences.
Embrace this reality with courage. Persecution is not a sign of failure but of fidelity to Christ. As the Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3:12,
“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
Stand firm, knowing that the hatred of the world is evidence of your belonging to Christ.
2. You Need to Give Up the Evil Pleasures This World Offers
Satan is a master of deception, offering temporary pleasures that ultimately lead to destruction. As a Christian, you are called to renounce these fleeting joys, recognizing them for what they are—traps designed to ensnare your soul.
Romans 12:2 urges us:
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.”
This transformation involves a radical shift in values and priorities. The things you once enjoyed—drunkenness, immorality, worldly entertainment—must now be seen through the lens of your new life in Christ.
This renunciation is not easy. The old desires may linger, and the temptation to return to them can be strong. But remember, your identity is no longer rooted in the things of this world. You are a new creation, and your satisfaction now comes from a deeper, more lasting source—your relationship with Yahweh.
3. You Need to Forsake Yourself
In Luke 9:23, Jesus (Yahshua) said:
“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”
The call to follow Christ is a call to self-denial. It means surrendering your desires, ambitions, and plans to God. It means living not for yourself, but for Him.
This is perhaps one of the most difficult aspects of the Christian life. We are naturally inclined to seek our own way, to prioritize our own needs and desires. But true discipleship requires us to die to self daily, to put the will of God above our own.
Self-denial also extends to our relationships with others.
Philippians 2:3-4 teaches:
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others.”
This is the essence of Christlike love—putting others first, just as Christ put us first.
4. You Need to Leave Some of Your Friends and Even Family Members
One of the most painful consequences of becoming a Christian is the possibility of losing relationships with friends and even family members. Jesus did not shy away from this hard truth. In Matthew 10:37, He said:
“Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.”
This doesn’t mean you must abandon your loved ones. Rather, it means that your loyalty to Christ must come first. If a relationship hinders your walk with God, you may need to distance yourself from that person or, in some cases, sever the relationship entirely.
This is not easy, and it can be a source of deep sorrow. But remember, your primary allegiance is to Yahweh. If following Him means losing certain relationships, take comfort in knowing that He will never leave you nor forsake you.
5. You Have to Give Up Control
As human beings, we have an innate desire to be in control. We want to direct our own lives, to determine our own paths. But when you become a Christian, you surrender that control to God.
Proverbs 3:5-6 advises:
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
Letting go of control is a process. It requires daily trust in God’s wisdom and timing. It means relinquishing your own understanding and relying on His guidance. This can be frightening, but it is also liberating. When you let God take the lead, you find a peace that surpasses all understanding, knowing that He is working all things for your good.
Final Words
Yes, it’s difficult to be a Christian, but it is even more difficult not to be one. The challenges of the Christian life pale in comparison to the eternal reward that awaits us. We may suffer today, we may be last in the eyes of the world, we may even lose everything, but all these sacrifices are worth it.
In Revelation 2:10, Jesus promises:
“Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.”
The consequences of becoming a Christian are temporary, but the reward is eternal. Hold fast to your faith, and let nothing deter you from the path that leads to life everlasting.
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