We’ve all heard of the phrase “soft life”. Definitions can differ but it is usually referring to a life of ease, largely afforded by financial success. You may have seen an influencer use this phrase as a caption for a luxurious Instagram post, or a (usually female) YouTuber giving their two pence on how to attain this life.
As I recently came across another video about the “how to” behind the soft life, it dawned on me that this life is never spoken about in terms of having a relationship with God. Which is when the question “What’s a soft life without Christ?” came to my mind. What is a soft life (a life of ease) without the assurance that all your life’s labour will lead to something beyond this present earth?
This is an invitation to the soft life
Jesus says: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30). This is an invitation to the soft life.
A yoke is a wooden frame used to join two animals together so that they can pull a heavy load together. Jesus is inviting us to labour with Him, so that the burden (the responsibility, the task, the assignment) He has called us to carry won’t be at the detriment of our soul (our inner being which remains in existence for eternity).
The world promises us a lot if we put in the labour – however, the world cannot give us rest (ease and relief) for our soul
The world promises us a lot if we put in the labour – however, the world cannot give us rest (ease and relief) for our soul. Only Jesus can give this. This is what makes the burden for a Christian, light. It’s not the absence of responsibility as Jesus said we must take up our cross and follow Him (Matthew 16:24), but it’s knowing that our labour is never in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58) and will ultimately lead to an eternal rest for our souls with Christ (2 Corinthians 4:17). Jesus says it best in Matthew 16:26, we make no profit if we gain the whole world (wealth, success, fame) but lose our soul in the process – in other words, lose our place with Christ in eternity.
The soft life is walking in step with a God who is “meek and lowly” – who will not judge you for where you currently are, but asks you to “learn of [Him]”, to walk with Him as this is where you will find the rest that your soul needs. There is a rest that no amount of wealth or earthly success can provide, but can only be found in Jesus.
What’s a soft life without Christ? ________
Note to self
The soft life is knowing God’s got you (Romans 8:31). It’s knowing that you get to see the goodness of God both on earth and in eternity (Psalm 27:13). It’s knowing that all things are yours in Christ Jesus (1 Corinthians 3:22). It’s knowing that the weapon may be formed against you but it won’t prosper (Isaiah 54:17). It’s knowing that God causes all things to work together for our good (Romans 8:28). It’s knowing that if God did not even spare His only son, he will freely give us all things (Romans 8:32).
Further reading
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