I came across this LinkedIn post yesterday and wholeheartedly agree. Mr. Smith is correct, especially in this Laodicean church age.

I pray we, the body of Christ, become more transparent about our lifelong process of sanctification. I pray we share that it’s NOT all roses, blessings, and fulfillment of our plans or desires.

No Sir-No Ma’am — that’s the lie the enemy of the church wants to paint so he can come right back around and say, “Are you really on the mountaintop? See, they lied, but if you stick with me I’ll give you mountaintop experiences for all your heart desires!”

The Life of the person who, having heard the gospel message, received it as truth, and has put their faith in God (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) learns quickly that the blessing of salvation (eternal life in heaven) comes with trials and tribulations on earth. With the right doctrinal teaching, they come to understand there will be times of breaking down and being built up again, like clay (Isaiah 64:8)!

The Life of the Christian HURTS at times as God calls us to let go of our old ways and be conformed to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29). The work required can be daunting because looking at yourself and your past life through the lens of God’s word requires a bold tenacity and warrior spirit to persevere.

The Life of the Christian is sometimes SCARY because we are asked to put our full trust in the Godhead; to believe what we cannot see with physical eyes (Hebrews 11:1). Issues will arise in this area of our Christian life because, like the Nation of Israel, we too, want a SIGN!

In the Life of the Christian, when we open our Bible to study the past, remain alert in the present, and look towards the future, we are met with the harsh reality of Jesus’ 3^1/2 year ministry. As it was in his time on earth, we too will find Christ STILL being rejected as God’s only begotten Son, who died so that we could be QUICKENED (made alive – Ephesians 2:1-7).

The Life of the Christian is sometimes DISHEARTENING because man’s heart has been hardened by sin and those who have crept in unawares (Jude 1:4) in the body of Christ. Sharing the gospel and God’s AMAZING FREE GIFT OF SALVATION becomes a debate on the validity of God’s WORD as HIS TRUTH. The good book (Bible) was ordained and inspired by God, yet is ridiculed as merely a BOOK written by men and demotes Jesus Christ to status of being just another prophet!

I mean, come on now, jobs hire based on work experience, and Jesus’ resume was witnessed, recorded and is still being fulfilled in these days, yet he is rejected as God.

The Life of the Christian can leave the believer WEARY as we walk by faith in an increasingly sin filled world. The suffering can, at times, be very SORROWFUL because we know time is running out and after this the judgment (Hebrews 9:26-28)!

In the Life of the Christian, our identity and SPIRITUAL STANDING IN CHRIST at the right hand of the Father doesn’t remove our having to deal with the principalities, powers, rulers of darkness of this world, & the spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6:12). It is these battles that sharpen our spiritual weaponry and teach us how to fight the good fight of faith (1 Timothy 6:12).

For Christians who understand their assignment as a follower and/or disciple of Christ, whether we find ourselves in the valley or on the mountaintop, we know we must continue to press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13-15)!

Mr. Smith has a valid point regarding Champion Christians. There will definitely be “mountaintop” experiences, but days in the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23:4) are equally part of the Christian life.