Heb 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
Believers in third world countries are being killed all the day long for the name of Christ. How much are you willing to suffer for Christ? Jesus did not shrink from His suffering on the cross. Nothing makes for fervent prayer like suffering even the suffering of souls close to us.
Paul often had to be dragged to safety by others because he was determined to preach Christ at any cost.
For the cause of Christ
Roger
I think the question is wrong. How much are you willing to
live for Christ? This question is more in line and of greater importance, with your relationship and God. Service to God is a blessing, even those that received persecution unto death died with a smile knowing what laid ahead. I don't need to compare my walk with the walk of others, but by the voice of God. You ask how much is a person willing to suffer for Christ, but that question ignores that God rewards those that diligently seek Him.
It is not about suffering but service. Not all service equates to suffering, and I choose to serve in a way that does not suffer. It does not diminish the service, it is simply the arm doing its job as opposed to the foot. Each part, doing as it should. The foot may be in the mud and the hand in the fresh air, but each part is essential.
You see, I see it as a trap. If a person asks if one is willing to suffer for Christ this person, if answered yes, would then be inviting suffering into their life. This is not my desire, as I know one can serve Christ and live peacefully. I invite that which is pure, holy, and good and focus on it. I don't think God wants us as sadists, seeking pain when Christ died so that we may have life. He just wants us willing to listen to Him, for His will in our lives.
I understand Christians do suffer, and yet in death they meet Jesus. Death is then a joy and not a tragedy for the believer, for their death is into the hands of Christ. A warm embrace. So, a Christian should have a mindset of service, of obedience, but one should not seek suffering as a sadist, but rather listen keenly to the Lord's voice. You, again, ask a question of suffering, but I think the more valid question is one of service to the lordship of God. You assume such obedience and service leads to suffering, but it does not for everyone. That is your false assumption, and your question is somewhat prideful.