Viktor E. Frankl writes in his book Embracing Hope: Stress is the salt of life; man needs tensions, a sound amount of tension. Deep-sea fish, when brought to the surface of the sea, are deformed. Deep-sea divers also should be brought up slowly. Because they come up from an area of intense pressure to an area of less pressure. It is well known among neurologists and psychiatrists that placing too-high demands on people is less dangerous than placing too few demands on them. People are today not ‘over demanded’, they are ‘under demanded’. Most people like to have a carefree life.
Heavy laden to light yoke: The Lord Jesus Christ called people to come to Him. Those who were heavily laden with various kinds of pressures, anxiety, and stress could come to Him. And exchange that with the light yoke and the easy burden, the Lord gives, which could be learnt from Him, the gentle teacher. (Matthew 11:28-30) When people are willing to yield to the overdemand of the world, but reject the light and easy yoke of the Lord.
Bold or cowardly: The Lord Jesus Christ called people to follow Him, taking up the cross. (Matthew 16:24) Taking up the cross means to die for oneself, which is embracing death. Those who are not afraid to die are bold to live. The cross God ordains for each person is appropriate; it is neither overdemand nor under demand.
Challenge of the cross: Taking up the cross is a challenge. Life without challenge has no meaning. Some people are angry when they are challenged. The rich young man was distressed, as he could not take up the cross to follow the Lord, as he was already carrying the load of riches, popularity, power, prestige, position, and authority, which he could not unburden. He could not deny himself, hence could not take the cross.
Spiritual burden: The disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ have the burden to be holy and righteous, being salt of the earth and light of the world, and engaged in making disciples of all nations.
Am I joyfully carrying the burden for the Lord?