Suffering (Submission Part Deux)

                The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth               comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. Romans 8:16-18 ESV

 

Suffering is the ultimate submission.

If we are in Christ, and Christ is in us, then we will suffer with Him.

Usually, this is assumed to mean some sort of religious persecution. Often times it is. In 20th century United States, it is not. I repeat, it is not. I do not suffer persecution daily for being a Christian. At most, someone may think less of me, but I really don’t think that counts. Does it?

What I have realized this to mean, fairly recently, is that we are to do this. Take suffering upon ourselves, as Christ did for us. Voluntarily. To daily choose suffering instead of comfort, in to suffer along with our Christ.

Its not easy, to choose suffering. It goes against everything. Submit yourselves to everything, and suffer with Him.

 

                Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. - James 1:2-4 MSG