Share in Christ's Suffering

This is Day 34 of my 40 day Lenten Blog.

"But if we are to share in Christ's glory, we must also share His suffering." (Romans 8:17)

"These kids today want the reward without the work!" That's probably a true statement and one that, if we're honest with ourselves, likely applies to most if not all of us. It's also true with getting into Heaven. We want eternal glory like Christ has, but without the suffering He went through to get there.

In fact, we want Heaven on Earth prior to Heaven above. We want to live perfect lives without any suffering or pain at all and then live in eternal glory with God.

This life isn't perfect. This life is full of suffering. Suffering comes from sin. Christ suffered greatly due to sin, but not His sin. It was our sin that caused Him to suffer. So why should we, the sinners, get to live a pain free existence without suffering at all? Does that seem fair to you?

We all must suffer. Do you know anyone who hasn't really suffered. Maybe, but if you do it's not that they haven't suffered, it's that they haven't suffered yet. How we handle our suffering is important. Do we curse God or thank Him? Do we flee or obey?

Suffering draws us nearer to Christ. It helps us to understand what He did for us and to rely on Him for help. And without suffering we will not appreciate the eternal glory free from suffering.

Yes, some people suffer more than others and at times that doesn't seem fair. But understand that suffering is a gift, no matter how much it feels like it is not. Because those who can endure the worst while staying faithful to God, will gain the greatest glory in Heaven.

R.C. VanLandingham is the author of the Peter Puckett series, a Christian children's fantasy that explores what it means to know and love Christ through exciting adventures. His books and blog can be found at rcvanlandingham.com.