I was recently listening to a podcast called Around the Table. They discussed an interesting question.
What are you willing to struggle for?
I thought it was an interesting question because I believe it reveals alot about what’s in our hearts. It also reveals the truth about what we really value verses what we say we value.
Because it is a natural human response to avoid pain and hardship, when one chooses the path that brings pain–especially when there is an easier alternative, it reveals alot. No one chooses pain, unless it results in some great motivation or reward.
Jesus endured the cross, scorning its shame, because of the joy to come.
The writer of Hebrews teaches that we should not despise discipline because the pain of discipline will produce righteousness and peace if will cooperate with the training process. James teaches that we should consider it a joy when we endure all kinds of hardship because of the lasting good it produces in us.