I think that comparing a fairytale to the Gospel is a
fantastic way to convey the story of Jesus and demonstrate what being a
Christian is really like. Not only does the Gospel point to the ultimate
victory, the light at the end of the tunnel; everlasting life, but it also notes
the intense struggles that must be overcome to reach this light. Every fairytale
presents challenges to its characters, and sometimes I think that we as
Christians believe that once we have Jesus on our side, its smooth sailing. However,
this isn’t always the case.
Even
though Romans 8 talks about, “If God is for us, who can be against us,” it
leaves room for us to realize that it is going to be stinking tough to be a
real Christian. There will be huge waves and storms for us to overcome, but if
we stick our guns like fairytale creatures and trust in Jesus, we will weather
these storms.
I
believe the above thoughts are essential for a brand new Christian to know. So
many times people view Christianity as only the “happily ever after” part of
the fairytale. In reality, Christianity is the, “travel through the dark woods,
fight the wolf, run from the dragon, and then live happily ever after,” part of
a fairytale. I don’t think we stress this enough when we are helping new
followers of Christ. In order to avoid new converts slipping back into their
old ways like the seed choked by thorns in the parable of the sower, we must
explain this concept to people.
I like your view of the christian journey. I too, have felt that becoming a christian is being portrayed as the end of your problems. It should be described as the process and perils which you are talking about.
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