Is it worth it to shun the world's pleasures and suffer as a Christian?
Yes, it is worth it. Believers may shun the world's pleasures and suffer, but the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that will be revealed to us. The coming glory lasts forever—eternity, ages upon ages—not merely seventy years.
Les explains that even though believers may shun a lot of the world's pleasure and not enjoy things the world thinks enjoyable, it is absolutely worth it. No matter what we suffer, even to the extent the Apostle Paul suffered, we can still say it is worth it because of the glory waiting for us. That glory is not just seventy years to compensate for seventy, eighty, or ninety years down here; it is forever—eternity, ages upon ages, time without end. Les points to a chart a pastor sent, noting the part that excited him most was at the far right end: eternity. Believers may have to suffer yet some day, but what bears them up is that no matter how much they suffer, it will be worth it all because of the glory to be revealed some day.
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.
More Questions
How can Christians be sustained if they have to suffer the way Paul did?
Like Paul, believers must be borne up in any suffering they may yet face by the assurance that, no matter how much they suffer, it will be worth it all because of the glory that is going to be revealed to them some day.