I recently attended a men’s retreat as part of a church-related outing. I always feel unsure if it will be a beneficial use of my time, but every year I am extremely grateful that I attended.
This year’s speaker dissected Hebrews 12 which deals with running the race of life. One of the many aspects discussed in this passage is the need for endurance while running life’s race. Endurance is defined as “to remain firm under suffering or misfortune without yielding.” The conference speaker used the analogy of willingly remaining under a heavy burden.
The motivation for willingly remaining under a heavy burden must be greater than the pain caused by the burden. No one will remain firm under suffering if there isn’t a good reason for doing so. In Hebrews 12 several motivations are mentioned that make endurance necessary.
Jesus willingly endured the cross so that mankind could be saved (vs. 2). We are told that we should consider his endurance so that we don’t become mentally wearied and faint when life becomes difficult (vs. 3)
If we endure the chastening of God then he treats us as sons. I usually think of chastening as physical discipline, but that is only a minor aspect. Webster’s dictionary has two definitions for chasten. The first is the expected one of correcting by punishment. The second is more relevant to this train of thought: to prune (something, such as a work or style of art) of excess, pretense, or falsity.
If I willingly endure the pruning, or refining, of God, then He will treat me as one of His sons. The process of chastening is uncomfortable and will likely involve some suffering, but the results make the process worthwhile.
Hebrews 12 further elaborates on the benefits of enduring chastening in the following verses. After making a brief comparison between earthly fathers and our Heavenly Father, the writer of Hebrews says, “Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.”
If I endure chastening, it produces the peaceable fruit of righteousness. The relation to pruning is an outstanding example. In order to produce more/higher quality fruit, the plant must endure having its branches cut back. The results make the suffering worthwhile.
The analogy of endurance carries over to other areas of life as well. There are many uncomfortable burdens that I remain under because the results are worthwhile.
Physical exercise is the first example that comes to mind. I am willing to endure the difficult work, the time spent, and the physical discomfort in order for my physical health to be as good as possible. It would be easier in the short term for me to avoid the suffering associated with exercise, but I would also miss out on the benefits.
It would be easier for me to avoid my responsibilities as a parent so that I can enjoy my evenings. The “conflict” that is caused when I correct my children is worthwhile when I consider their future well-being. Sometimes I mishandle the opportunity that arises and the relationship between them and me is damaged. It would be “easier” to avoid the issue and disengage as a parent. Since the benefits of being a present, conscientious parent are so great, I have to choice but to pick up that burden and re-engage. It would be a shame to leave the relationship between my children and I in the uncomfortable state in which it last was.
The majority of the work that I have is mundane and uninteresting. I can either choose to neglect the work or I can endure the monotony for the greater good. The mental disciple necessary to continually pick up the burden proves useful across every aspect of life.
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