A Case Of Cultural Leprosy…
We have a culture and value system that increasingly seeks to avoid pain at any cost. It even affects Christian culture. We may not realize it, but this is a form of leprosy.
The greatest danger of leprosy is that it destroys the nervous system so that the person feels no pain. If their hand is in the fire, they don’t feel it, and the hand is destroyed.
So too, when a culture tries to avoid all pain – it becomes leprous. If you seek to avoid all pain, you will never live a life of righteousness, godliness, and greatness. Righteousness involves sacrifice and even pain.
There is redemption in pain. God created it to alert you of a danger to life. If you have pain in your body, it’s alerting you that something is wrong – so you can address it. If you have pain in your soul, it’s to tell you something is wrong. You can fix it and it can help you.
Don’t go through your life seeking to avoid pain, or have only pleasure. Live your life seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. And all these other things will be added to you.
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 1 Peter 4:12-14
Today, seek not to avoid pain and pursue pleasure. But seek to pursue righteousness and the will of God, no matter pain or pleasure.
Walk daily with God at your side!
Love always,
Ed
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