A Self-Inflicted Spanking
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
“In troubles that come upon us as the result of sin, we must not dream that we are suffering with Christ.” – C.H. Spurgeon
There are times when we suffer by no fault of our own. Job’s trials were such a case. In fact, Job caught Satan’s attention because God bragged about Job’s character and integrity. But even after God granted Satan permission to attack his family and his possessions – and later his own health – Job’s faith remained steadfast and he refused to curse God or blame Him for his troubles.
Conversely, God’s judgment fell quickly on Cain, King Saul, Ananias and Sapphira, and others who sinned against Him… and in such cases, they had no one to blame but themselves.
Speaking from personal experience, there have been times when I have suffered unjustly because I stood up for God and His Word; and there have been other times when my suffering was 100% self-inflicted. Truth be told, the former trials are much easier to handle than the latter.
Here are some words of wisdom from Charles Spurgeon on the subject…
“When Miriam spoke evil of Moses, and the leprosy polluted her, she was not suffering for God. Moreover, suffering that God accepts must have God's glory as its end. If I suffer that I may earn a name or win applause, I shall get no other reward than that of the Pharisee.”
“Let us search and see if we truly suffer with Jesus. And if we do suffer in this way, what is our ‘slight momentary affliction’ compared with reigning with Him? Oh, it is so blessed to be in the furnace with Christ, and such an honor to stand in the jail with Him, that if there were no future reward, we might count ourselves happy in present honor; but when the recompense is so eternal, so infinitely more than we had any right to expect, shall we not take up the cross with enthusiasm and go on our way rejoicing?”
“For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory that is far beyond comparison.” 2 Corinthians 4:17 (BSB)
“For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.” I Peter 3:17 (BSB)
- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President
