Comments on: Whither Perseverance?

By: Chris

Chris — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 00:25:29 +0000

Jonathan: I didn’t mean to say that we should seek out suffering, or even that being in good circumstances from time to time is necessarily evidence of not walking with God (Abraham? Job?). But suffering will happen, and when it does, we shouldn’t be offended or shocked. As far as emotional state goes, I have conflicting thoughts. I agree that we can put too much emphasis on it, but I do think our feelings are important to God in some respects. Not sure I have much else intelligent to say on that, though.

Tim: It’s a fair point, and I should probably not have used the word “peace.” I used “peace” to mean a particular emotional state in the here-and-now, which I feel strongly is not something we are supposed to always experience (Jesus certainly didn’t at Gethsemane – sweating blood isn’t exactly a relaxation response). I’m not sure what the word is I should use, or how you can have “peace” while still feeling agony, but somehow, I think it’s possible. Maybe someone wiser than me can figure out how that works – or maybe it just passes understanding?

Jack: Thanks!

Dad: Thanks for linking to me.

By: Jack Exum Jr.

Jack Exum Jr. — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 18:11:25 +0000

Hey Chris,
Thanks for your article. It is a good attmept at waking Christians up from the ‘easy chair Christianity’ that seems to have the church in America by the throat. New Testament “cross bearing” Christianity, has never been on the top 10 list for America. Keep writing, stay close to His heart, lean on His BIG grace, because no amount of works can remedy our problem. Only the work of Jesus, and our devotion to Him.
All the best,
Jack Exum Jr.

By: Tim Archer

Tim Archer — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 13:48:32 +0000

Proponents of any form of the prosperity gospel lose sight of just how often the New Testament talks about suffering and embracing suffering as a part of the Christian life. (which is different from seeking to suffer)

My only quarrel with what you said, however, is that I think that peace does go up in a line, or should anyway. Peace should rise regardless of circumstances. It should not be tied to health, wealth, etc.

(I came over here from Jay’s blog… your dad?)

Grace and peace,
Tim Archer

By: Jonathan

Jonathan — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 05:08:33 +0000

Second thought — and this was recently preached by Sean: if you’re not suffering in some way, you need to check your walk.

However, I do not believe that suffering is indicative of your effectiveness, spirituality, etc. on any sort of measureable level. If it were so linked, the most common question/complaint to God wouldn’t involve it. Sometimes I feel like people use suffering in a cognitive dissonance sort of way, which is disingenuous. I don’t think Jesus measured his life by the suffering he endured. Rather, he suffering was simply a consequence of his life. Maybe I’m too defensive after living in the dual culture of asceticism and hedonism. But then that’s not really the definition of suffering I’d use. Meh.

By: Jonathan

Jonathan — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 05:02:34 +0000

My initial thought is that you current emotional state isn’t all that important, whether for good or bad. I’m sure God would love it if you were the happiest person on earth and doing everything right. I’m sure God would love it if you were the most despondent, depressed person if you were filled with joy and doing everything right. I think the confusion for me comes from trying to tie my own personal interests into the equation as though that’s the ultimate goal.

By: Jay Guin

Jay Guin — Sun, 31 May 2009 19:06:47 +0000

Good stuff.

Check out this video posted by Bobby Valentine. http://stoned-campbelldisciple.blogspot.com/2009/05/god-is-enough.html

I think you all are on the same page.