Do Christians suffer more than un-believers?

[Christ_empowered]

I read somewhere in my big book of C.S. Lewis quotes (its a thought-a-day type thing; one excerpt from a larger work per day for 1 year) that Christians seem to suffer a good bit more than the heathens of the world.

True or false? I mean, I like C.S. Lewis--the man was brilliant--but I'm not sure about this one. In my own life, I feel that I suffered a lot more *before* becoming a Christian and now my suffering is of a different sort. Instead of driving me to meaningless despair, my suffering/pain seems to help (eventually) spur spiritual growth.

What about you? And the Christians you all have known?

 

[Former Christian]

Christ_empowered

Not in America. Sometimes they suffer persecution in other nations. When Christians suffer in America, they usually bring it on themselves. Especially when they try to force their own ideas on others. Preaching the Gospel and trying to force ideas down other peoples throats are two different things.

Regarding chastisement, if it's necessary, God will chastise his own. But his normal way is to try to transform by the renewing of the mind. So that kind of suffering is also self-imposed. Just like the OT Hebrews, if we live according to God's standard, we should live a better life than any heathen. But that better living isn't according to the standards of the world. Like bigger and better things, or more and more money, or living in debauchery. Those are things that are idols. Those who are in Christ should have no need for anything more than necessary to live comfortably with family. Roof over the head and necessary food. There's nothing wrong with hobbies. But but too often luxuries are seen as necessities.

FC

 

[Tina]

How are we to "measure" suffering ?

It may be true that Christians suffer more than un-believers because that's what scriptures say ...


1 Peter 5:8-9

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.



It's a daily battle for Christians to overcome the enemy, but the battle belongs to the Lord.

Based on my personal life experiences, I witness un-believers suffering more than Christians because we have a God Who answers prayers!

 

[Christ_empowered]

Good points, Tina. There is no scale for suffering. This is one area in which I think C.S. Lewis may have been wrong. I know in my own life that now my problems have meaning. I don't just suffer for no good reason. My suffering pushes me towards God and towards spiritual maturity, so its productive suffering. Many un-believers I know have problems, but their suffering just makes them bitter and increasingly self-absorbed.