Some Difficult Commands: Following Christ Fully

Introduction: The Challenge of Obedience

Jesus made it clear that following Him requires obedience to His commands. He stated in John 14:15, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” Similarly, Revelation 22:14 promises, “Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they will have the right to the tree of life, and may enter the city by the gates.” However, not all commands feel equally easy to obey. While every instruction from Christ is essential, some commands are undeniably more challenging. Yet, as Luke 17:10 reminds us, “So you too, when you do all the things which are commanded you, say, ‘We are unworthy slaves; we have done only that which we ought to have done.’”

In this article, we will explore both the commands of Christ that may seem simpler to obey and those that demand greater sacrifice and effort. Understanding these commands and striving to follow them is essential for anyone who seeks to walk faithfully in the footsteps of Christ.

Commands That Are Less Difficult

Certain commands are foundational to the Christian life and are often easier to fulfill under normal circumstances. However, they can still be neglected if not approached with intentionality.

Believe and Be Baptized
Jesus declared in Mark 16:16, “The one who has believed and has been baptized will be saved; but the one who has not believed will be condemned.” Belief in Jesus and baptism are the initial steps into a life of discipleship. While baptism is straightforward, it can be neglected due to misunderstanding or hesitation.
Forsake Not the Assembly
Hebrews 10:25 exhorts believers to prioritize gathering for worship: “not abandoning our own meeting together, as is the habit of some people, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” Regular assembly strengthens faith and provides opportunities for mutual encouragement.
Partake in the Lord’s Supper
Observing the Lord’s Supper is a vital reminder of Christ’s sacrifice. Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 11:26, “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” Yet, some fail to prioritize this meaningful act of worship.
Sing and Worship with Grace
Worship through song is commanded in passages like Ephesians 5:19: “speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your hearts to the Lord.” This joyful expression of faith is often overlooked or approached half-heartedly.
Help the Poor and Needy
James 1:27 describes true religion: “Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” While acts of service to those in need may seem simple, they require intentionality and follow-through.

Although these commands are foundational and straightforward, they are sometimes disregarded due to complacency or distraction.

Commands That Are More Difficult

While the commands listed above may feel easier to obey, others require significant sacrifice, self-denial, and perseverance. These commands challenge us to rise above our natural tendencies and align ourselves fully with Christ.

Give as Prospered
Paul instructs in 1 Corinthians 16:2, “On the first day of every week, each of you is to put aside and save as he may prosper, so that no collections need to be made when I come.” Generosity requires trust in God’s provision and a willingness to sacrifice personal comforts for the sake of His kingdom.
Hate Family by Comparison
One of the most striking commands of Jesus is found in Luke 14:26: “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his own father, mother, wife, children, brothers, sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple.” This “hatred” is not literal animosity but a prioritization of Christ above all human relationships. Matthew 10:37 clarifies, “The one who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me.”
Do Not Be Anxious
Jesus challenges us in Matthew 6:25-34 to trust in God’s care and provision. “Do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34). Letting go of worry and trusting God fully can be a daily struggle in a world filled with uncertainty.
Be Angry and Do Not Sin
Righteous anger is permissible, but it must not lead to sin. Ephesians 4:26 reminds us, “Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger.” This command requires self-control and reconciliation, which can be difficult in emotionally charged situations.
Love Your Enemies
Perhaps one of the hardest commands is found in Matthew 5:44: “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Loving those who wrong us goes against our natural instincts, yet Jesus calls us to reflect His grace and mercy in every interaction.
Do Not Seek Revenge
Romans 12:19 warns, “Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written: ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.” Choosing forgiveness over retaliation requires faith in God’s justice.
Speak Evil of No One
Titus 3:2 instructs believers “to slander no one, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing every consideration for all people.” Refraining from negative speech demands mindfulness and humility, especially in a culture prone to criticism and gossip.
Deny Yourself and Follow Christ
Self-denial is at the heart of discipleship. Jesus declares in Luke 9:23, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” This command encompasses all others, requiring a daily commitment to put Christ’s will above our own.

The Blessings of Obedience

While some commands are easier to obey than others, all are essential. Jesus said in Matthew 7:21, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.” Obedience demonstrates our love for God and our desire to live according to His will.

Faithful obedience also strengthens us spiritually. As we submit to Christ’s commands, we grow in trust, humility, and perseverance. James 1:22-25 encourages us to be doers of the Word: “But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not just hearers who deceive themselves… the one who has looked intently at the perfect law, the law of freedom, and has continued in it… this person will be blessed in what he does.”

Conclusion: Embracing All of Christ’s Commands

Obedience to Christ is not optional; it is the defining mark of a disciple. As Revelation 22:14 reminds us, those who follow His commands are blessed with the promise of eternal life. Some commands may feel easier, while others challenge us to our core. Yet all require our full commitment and trust in the Lord.

As we strive to obey Christ in all things, let us remember that His commands are not burdensome but life-giving. As 1 John 5:3 declares, “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome.” Let us pursue faithfulness in every area of our lives, knowing that our obedience brings glory to God and transforms us into the image of His Son.