1. Avoidance of P/S is how many people make their decisions – especially when determining what life path to ultimately follow (Mat 13:20-22).

This way of living is facilitated (or helped) by two beliefs :

1.1. Pain/suffering is believed to always be a sign that something must be wrong.

1.2. Happiness is believed to be found in the avoidance of pain.

2. Avoidance of P/S is why many who claim to be Christian won’t stand up for Christ w/family or friends (Mat 10:34-38).

3. Avoidance of P/S is why many will end in Hell (Luk 13:22-28 – “we ate and drank in your presence and you taught in our streets” [v26]; Mat 10:26-33, 39; Heb 10:36-39; Rev 21:8 – “cowards” = Those avoiding pain – since this is ultimately what causes a person to be fearful to the point of cowering).

4. It is only through accepting that the Christian life will require some pain/suffering that we will be faithful and reach heaven (Jam 1:12; Rom 5:1-5; Psa 34:19).

“God had one Son without sin, but never one without suffering” – St. Augustine