Risen Over Routine: Breaking the Idol of Convenience This Easter

✝️ He Is Risen… But What About Us?

Easter Sunday is the crescendo of our faith — the proof that death was defeated, sin was paid for, and hope lives on. But Pastor Rich challenged us this year with a powerful and perhaps unexpected question: "What's keeping us from living like Jesus is truly alive?”

As we celebrate the empty tomb, many of us are still weighed down by a subtle, modern idol that’s quietly taken hold: the idol of convenience.

This isn’t just a sermon recap. It’s a call to awaken your faith.

🪨 The Empty Tomb and the Empty Excuses

Luke 24 tells us that early on Sunday morning, the women went to the tomb expecting to find a dead body. Instead, they were greeted by angels who asked, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen.”

Their initial reaction was confusion and grief — a horizontal perspective. But when they “remembered his words” (v. 8), they began to see the vertical reality: Jesus had risen just as He said.

“When we focus on ourselves, that’s all we will see. But when we look to the vertical — to Christ — hope begins to rise.”

🧱 What’s Your Story — Horizontal or Vertical?

Pastor Rich reminded us that we all have a story. Maybe your story today sounds like:

• “I’m good — I have a house, a job, a plan.”

• “I’m struggling — life has not been kind.”

• “I feel stuck — spiritually dry and disconnected.”

No matter where you are, the resurrection invites you to shift from the horizontal plane (comparing yourself to others) to the vertical plane — where you see Jesus as your source, your hope, your redeemer.

🛑 The Idol of Convenience: A Modern Trap

What’s stopping us from walking in resurrection power? According to Pastor Rich, the greatest idol in our lives today may not be money, fame, or power. It’s something far more subtle:

Convenience.

Skipping prayer because we’re tired. Missing church because something else came up. Saying “later” to God because now just isn’t the right time.

“Are you allowing convenience to stop you from growing in God?”

This idol whispers, “Take the easy road.” But the gospel calls us to lay our lives down — to pick up our cross, not our comfort.

Pastor Rich even shared a personal story of standing against peer pressure at a corporate event — choosing conviction over convenience. It was a reminder that spiritual growth often happens in the inconvenient moments when we choose Christ over culture.

🧽 From Stains to Stories

We’ll rave about a product that gets a stain out of our favorite shirt. But when Jesus removes the stains of our sin and shame, why are we silent?

“Why is it when Jesus Christ is at work in our lives, we don’t shout His praises?”

If the tomb is truly empty, then we should be full — full of life, of courage, of boldness to share the good news. Don’t let fear or convenience keep you quiet. Be a witness.

🪞 What Will Define Your Story?

Like Jonah, we sometimes run from God’s call. We cling to idols that keep us from surrendering. But Jonah’s words echo through time:

“Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.” (Jonah 2:8)

God is not asking you to be perfect — He’s asking you to be willing. He’s calling you to a greater purpose, one that transcends paycheck, position, or popularity.

“Your relationship with Jesus Christ is eternal. That doesn't change.”

🙌 The Resurrection Response: What Will You Choose?

As Pastor Rich concluded his message, he asked us to examine our hearts:

• Are you ready to surrender convenience for calling?

• Are you ready to let go of idols that are robbing you of grace?

• Are you willing to live as if Jesus is truly alive — not just on Easter, but every day?

He reminded us of the Book of Life — and the ultimate question that will be asked: "Did you know my son, Jesus Christ?”

📖 Final Reflection

The resurrection isn’t just a past event. It’s a present invitation to live differently — with purpose, courage, and surrender.

So this Easter, let’s stop looking for life in dead places. Let’s stop letting convenience dictate our faith.

Let’s live like Jesus is alive.

💡 Reflection Questions:

• What modern conveniences have become spiritual barriers in your life?

• How does your story reflect resurrection power?

• What’s one “inconvenient” step of faith you can take this week?