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HE SUFFERED MORE I have reached the point in life to where health concerns and doctor visits are the new norm, and, quite honestly, I'm not adjusting very well. They tell me that they have everything under control, and I guess that's true, but it still isn't the kind of life that I had in mind. I just want want to live in good health until I'm about ninety and then either go up in the rapture or die suddenly while doing something really noble, witnessing, passing tracts, or at least while praying or reading my Bible. But, I must remember that I'm no better than anyone else, and I'll probably not be blessed with such a desirable ending. If the Lord doesn't return soon, I'll probably grow old and have to endure more sickness, and more temptations to worry about instead of trusting God. So, I have a plan B in place, and I know it will help, if I can just stick to it . . . Older folks will relate to this better than the young, but everyone can relate to some degree. I'd like to stress for a moment that the Lord Jesus Christ is THE MAN Christ Jesus (I Tim. 2:5) in regards to suffering, be it physical, emotional or spiritual. He is THE MAN (the standard, the perfect example) in regards to many things, but it is suffering that we'll consider for now. One of the most encouraging things that a Christian can do when suffering is learn to "reckon." Paul said, "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." (Rom. 8:18) So, when called upon to endure any level of suffering, just say, "I reckon Jesus suffered more." When lonely: "I reckon Jesus was lonelier." When tempted to sin: "I reckon Jesus was tempted more." When sad: "I reckon Jesus was sadder." When in pain: "I reckon Jesus endured more pain." When worried: "I reckon Jesus had more to worry about, but He trusted God instead." When ready to quit: "I reckon Jesus kept fighting." Whatever the suffering, be reminded that you, as a Christian, are in the good company of Jesus Christ. It's remarkable what these few little words can do for a beaten-down spirit as they bring us more in line with the selfless and suffering spirit of our Saviour.