How Tough Are You?

How tough is Chuck Norris? Well, rumor has it that

• Chuck Norris can kill two stones with one bird.
• Once a cobra bit Chuck Norris’ leg. After five days of excruciating pain, the cobra died.
• Chuck Norris beat the sun in a staring contest.
• Chuck Norris doesn’t cheat death. He wins fair and square.

Sounds like one tough hombre!

I was thinking about Norris because of a title I saw in a reading list put together by some counselors. It was Tough Times Never Last, But Tough People Do!, by Robert Schuller. The inclusion of this book surprised me; whereas the therapists didn’t express any faith in Christ, Schuller served as the longtime pastor of the Crystal Cathedral in southern California. It was nice that they recommended a Christian work.

They say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but does that advice also apply to the title? I ask because after I saw it, I began an internal debate about the logic of the title.

Here’s what I mean.

For several decades, Robert Schuller’s ministry has emphasized positive thinking. I’m neither criticizing nor commending his approach; just reporting a fact. Recognizing this theme as background, I assumed that Schuller wrote the book to encourage people who were going through difficulties. No doubt he wanted them to know that they could beat their troubles; they didn’t have to succumb to the pressure. God could help them and they’d come out stronger than ever.

But as comforting as this line of reasoning is, I wondered if it was necessary.

The title of his book has two main premises:

• Tough times do not last
• Tough people do last

You can tell that Schuller intended to buoy your spirit with the hope that no trial you’re facing will endure. Hang in there! You can outlast your trials!

But how tough do you have to be to survive a temporary hardship? If you wait, you’ll win. You may feel lousy, but you’ll emerge victorious.

I don’t think that’s what Schuller had in mind. He meant to embolden people so they could handle the afflictions that life brings. But again, how tough do you need to be to go through an impermanent problem? As tough as Chuck Norris? Doesn’t that seem over the top?

Don’t you need just enough toughness or strength to handle the issue before you? As long as you come out ahead, isn’t that all that matters?

A rather anemic rallying cry!

The apostle Peter knew all about tough times and tough souls, so his advice on the subject is worth listening to.

“After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.” – 1 Peter 5:10 (NASB)

We’re going to suffer. We can avoid pain in part, but we can’t fully escape it. When we ally ourselves with Jesus, we put ourselves in opposition to the world’s system of rebellion, exploitation, and damage. Peter warned that we should expect resistance to the transitioning of our loyalties:

“For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties and abominable idolatries. ⁴In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excesses of dissipation, and they malign you; ⁵but they will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.” – 1 Peter 4:3-5 (NASB)

No one likes being judged; not me, not anyone I know. Do you? The world sure hates it! But in coming to faith in Christ, we acknowledge that we’re sinful; we’ve failed God and harmed others. We find peace in the sacrifice of Jesus for us, and that peace comes to us as a sense of relief. We’d screwed up our lives to such an extent we’re amazed God would so love us that He would give up His Son for our rescue.

Coming to Christ, then, involves a twofold confession: we admit that we deserve God’s judgment and we declare that the cross atones for our sins.

People have to deal with their guilty consciences in some way–denial, blame, excuses, drugs. But only Christians enjoy the blessings of a restored relationship with God and a renewed heart.

When the Lord makes us righteous, we become witnesses against the world’s hostilities. We don’t even have to speak; our presence alone may convict people because the Holy Spirit dwells within us. People aren’t comfortable with spiritual purity; it reminds them of their accountability.

So they lash out at us.

And that’s why we suffer. Peter testifies that the world will taunt and threaten us because we’re devoted to the One Whom it rejects.

How long must we endure exclusion and injury? Peter said “a little while.” So Robert Schuller was right; tough times never last!

But how tough do we need to be to withstand these assaults? Not Chuck Norris! We don’t have to measure up to anyone’s image; God Himself will do the work in us and for us. Peter declares that the Father makes use of our temporary suffering to stabilize our faith in Christ and make us solid.

Recognize that your commitment to Jesus invites retaliation from the world. Follow Him and you will suffer retribution. But take heart; you’re not alone. The tests won’t last and you won’t fail. God will verify your character in Christ; you will triumph because of Him. Don’t give up.

“Through Silvanus, our faithful brother (for so I regard him), I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it!” – 1 Peter 5:12 (NASB)

PS – Chuck Norris is a Christian!