“The virtue lies in the struggle, not in the prize.” (Richard Monckton Milnes)
“It’s not about how fast I get there. It’s not about what’s waiting on the other side. It’s the climb.” (Miley Cyrus)
Partly true, partly false.
First, the Bible repeatedly affirms the value of suffering for Christians.
- “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1.2-4).
- “Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God” (1 Peter 4.1-2).
- “And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Romans 5.3-5).
However, the Bible never affirms suffering for its own sake. Suffering always has direction: it points its victims toward something higher and more important. Suffering also has purpose: it’s intended to teach us lessons about things other than suffering.
In Scripture, the purposes of suffering are many:
- Suffering purifies us (1 Peter 4.1-2).
- Suffering produces endurance in us (James 1.2-4).
- Suffering builds character and gives hope (Romans 5.3-5).
- Suffering teaches us to depend upon God (Psalm 42.1-11).
- Suffering now may prevent suffering later (2 Corinthians 4.16-18).
To be sure, there’s value in suffering, but only to the extent that it has a desirable outcome. Struggle is pointless if it doesn’t lead somewhere. Most of all, struggle that leads anywhere but heaven is wasted.
What struggles are you having, and where are they leading you?