I love a good shortcut. When driving, if there’s a quicker, shorter way to get somewhere, I try to find it. On the computer, I love a good keyboard shortcut or tasks that can be automated. The
microwave oven was invented and is still a top-selling appliance because people love shortcuts.
So when it comes to the Christian life, some Christians start looking for shortcuts. A shortcut to learn the Bible. A shortcut to stronger faith. A shortcut to teaching people the gospel. A shortcut to fulfilling worship and other church-related responsibilities. A shortcut to being a Christian and “checking off” those things a Christian is supposed to do.
Guess what! There is no shortcut to being a Christian! The Bible uses words like “be diligent” (2 Tim. 2:15), “be steadfast” (1 Cor. 15:58), “endure” (2 Tim. 2:3), “strive” (Luke 13:24), “increase more and more” (1 Thess. 4:10), etc. The Christian life is an on-going, never-ending, no-shortcut life of faithful, steadfast service to the Lord. Enjoy every second of it!