Mental Health: A Cause to Live For (part 4 of 4)

Wasn't it uplifting to see eastern Europeans rush through the Iron Curtain to freedom after years of political slavery? Isn't it fulfilling to know that America is helping Iraqis to be set free from centuries of political/spiritual bondage?

Being released from suffering increases a person's appreciation of freedom by an exponential factor. Imagine such a person who is placed in a leadership role over others who desire sympathetic understanding. Do you suppose he would have an extra measure of compassion and tenderness toward those over whom he reigned? I think so.

You and I will reign with Christ some day. I believe our suffering on earth will enhance our ability to reign with greater agape as we become convinced of His worthiness to be God and our own unworthiness to be sharers in His grace. Suffering accompanied by God's grace-comfort (II Corinthians 1:3-4) are key players in this equation.

Jack Taylor says suffering will either make you bitter or better, and I believe he's onto something. Since God is agape and we're being conformed to His family image (Romans 8:29) you and I must experience some suffering while allowing Christ's agape life to be expressed through us. That's a no-brainer. Earth is our training ground for this, an essential part of equipping us for our eternal reign with Christ. Praising God protects you from bitterness and makes you better.

Worthy of all praise is the Living God, 24/7! By faith, we can submit to God's authority, worship and freely praise Him, proving Satan is wrong! This is a cause worth living for, worth dying for; a cause that yields mental health.