[493]Again the apostle Paul shows that the Christian does not complain because of persecution and suffering; neither does he murmur against God. But the true sentiment of his heart is expressed in the words of the Apostle: "We glory in tribulations also, knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope; and hope maketh not ashamed, because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the holy spirit which is given unto us". (Romans 6:3-5) Again says the Apostle: "I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us".--Romans 8:18. [494]No true Christian would expect to be without suffering or chastisements from the Lord, because these are evidences that he is a follower of Jesus and a son of God. It is one of the ways in which the spirit of the Lord testifies to us that we are his. (Hebrews 12:2-11; Romans 8:16,17) These sufferings of the Christian come from various agencies. The Christian suffers by being misunderstood. His motives are presumed to be wrong. He is sometimes charged with sedition because he does not desire to join with peoples of the world in engaging in war to destroy human lives; sometimes persecuted by false brethren, and sometimes by those who are ignorant. But all these afflictions he patiently endures, gladly. [495]St. Paul probably suffered as much or more than any follower of Christ. He suffered shipwreck, imprisonment, his back was flogged on three occasions at least, he was stoned and dragged out by the wayside and left for dead; and notwithstanding all these afflictions he wrote: "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen". (2 Corinthians 4:17,18) He was looking forward to the glory that shall follow, as should all Christians--not only _some_ glory, but a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. The Christian delights to meditate upon the promises given in God's Word concerning this glory. PROMISES [496]The great promise set before the church is that of eternal life--being for ever with the Lord. Addressing these, St. Paul wrote: "God will render to every man according to his deeds: to them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life". (Romans 2:6,7) It is to be noticed that those who are looking for that great reward patiently continue in doing well; that is to say, they cheerfully endure whatsoever experiences come, while they continue to walk in the Master's footsteps. Let us, then, examine some of the texts setting forth God's precious promises relative to the glory and honor that shall be the portion of the church in his great arrangement.