God is bringing history to an end — no surprise to Bible readers. Though good and evil now coexist, all things will crescendo with Jesus Christ crowned King of kings and Lord of lords. It’s already in the works.

Meanwhile, there is tension.

Tension will be with us until Christ is fully formed within us — so why do we strive to eliminate it from our lives? Someone has said, “to live without tension is to die.” Why? Because opposites create strength and test the hearts of men. Everything from fitness to heroism to godliness — it’s all rooted in tension.

Following Jesus Christ involves tension. That’s good. Keep your hands to the plow.

Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy (Psalm 126:5).