Embrace the Struggle

"You’re going to pay a price for every bloody thing you do and everything you don’t do. You don’t get to choose to not pay a price. You get to choose which poison you’re going to take." - Dr. Jordan Peterson

Life is full of choices, but one truth remains constant: every choice comes with a cost. The question isn’t whether we’ll face consequences, but whether those consequences will shape us into the men we’re called to be—or leave us hollow and unfulfilled.

The Army has a mantra: “Embrace the suck.” It’s a blunt reminder that hardship and discomfort are unavoidable in the pursuit of something meaningful. Similarly, the US Navy SEAL warrior ethos declares, “You are never out of the fight.” These two principles, when combined, offer a powerful perspective: life will test you, but no matter how overwhelming the struggle feels, there is always one more thing you can do to move forward.

As men, we face a critical decision: will we take the hard, righteous path, or the easy road of comfort and complacency?

The Allure of Comfort

The current culture worships at the altar of ease and convenience. Every message we receive—from advertising to entertainment—encourages us to prioritize our comfort, indulge our desires, and avoid struggle at all costs. The world tells us that success is measured by how many creature comforts we can amass: bigger houses, faster cars, fancier vacations, and endless entertainment.

But is that truly what we’re here for? Is life’s highest purpose to feel good and be comfortable?

The Bible tells us something different. Paul writes in Ephesians 6:12, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” This is a wake-up call for men of faith: we are not here to live easy lives of self-indulgence. We are here to fight a battle far greater than ourselves—a battle against the unseen powers of darkness, one that demands courage, sacrifice, and unwavering resolve.

The Righteous Fight

Comfort is seductive, but it’s a trap. A life focused on ease leaves no room for growth, no space for purpose, and no chance for impact. The easy path may shield you from temporary pain, but it leads to spiritual decay. In contrast, the hard path—the one marked by discipline, integrity, and faith—leads to purpose, fulfillment, and eternal reward.

Jesus Himself warned against prioritizing comfort when He said, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). To follow Christ is to reject the world’s obsession with comfort and embrace the struggle of self-denial and service.

This doesn’t mean we seek suffering for its own sake, but it does mean we willingly endure discomfort for the sake of what is right. As men, we must stand firm in the face of temptation, refusing to bow to the cultural pressure to live for ourselves. Instead, we live for something greater—for God’s kingdom and the fight against evil.

You Are Never Out of the Fight

No matter where you are in life, hear this truth: you are never out of the fight. Even when you feel overwhelmed or inadequate, there is always one more thing you can do. You can choose to pray when despair creeps in. You can choose to act with integrity when shortcuts tempt you. You can choose to love when bitterness beckons. These choices, though small in the moment, are battles won in the unseen war.

Refusing to give up—refusing to take the easy path—isn’t just about personal growth. It’s about fulfilling the purpose God has placed on your life. Your strength and courage inspire others—your family, your friends, and your community. When you stand firm, you show the world what it means to be a man of faith.

Rejecting Passivity

The easy path isn’t just tempting; it’s a constant pull. Passivity whispers, “Let someone else handle it.” But that’s not our calling. Men, we are made to lead, protect, and stand for truth. Passivity is not just a failure of action—it’s a failure of purpose.

We’re not here to accumulate wealth or chase fleeting pleasures. We are here to fight—to fight for our families, our communities, and our faith. The fight isn’t always glamorous. Often, it’s quiet and unseen, taking place in the daily grind of work, relationships, and spiritual discipline. But every moment we choose to persevere, we’re advancing the kingdom of God.

Embrace the Struggle

So how do we move forward? We embrace the struggle. We accept that life will challenge us and that comfort is not the goal. We lean into hardship, knowing it refines us and prepares us for greater battles ahead.

When life feels overwhelming, remember this: you are not alone, and you are never out of the fight. God is with you, equipping you to take one more step, say one more prayer, and make one more choice for righteousness.

Reject the lie that life is about ease and self-indulgence. Stand firm in the truth that we are called to something far greater. Embrace the struggle, fight the good fight, and trust that the rewards are eternal.

What step will you take today to reject passivity and embrace your calling? Choose the hard path, and watch how God transforms your life for His glory.