SUFFERING AND JOY

As a child I was taught that following Christ is difficult, full of tribulation, suffering, scratching and clawing and barely making it…if we make it. At least that was my interpretation. But, even if we are miserable ‘down here below’ when we die and ‘go to heaven’ everything will be wonderful. In other words, all happens after death. This leaves little room for worshipful joy, jumping, shouting and singing here and now.

I think it is a one-sided understanding either way. If it is all suffering and miserable living with the bait of ‘won’t it be wonderful there,’ it leads to a depressed life of fullness now. However, if we assume it is all joy, happy-slappy, or ‘no problem,’ that is just as unrealistic. If formation emphasis is to be ‘formed for later’ instead of transformation now and believing for ‘the Kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven,’ we live a schizophrenic Christianity.

Living as disciples for Jesus… there will be tough days and suffering. But we must also believe for good days, singing and Happy Meals. We will make it. It will be Ok. We do win…now and later…and forever.

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” Jesus