“Whatever God says, that’s how we reckon.”- Mark Batterson
“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.”- Romans 8:18 (KJV)
Mark Batterson begins Chapter 13 of If with a discussion of Romans 8:18. He states that the Greek word for reckon, logizomai, is an accounting term referring to a spreadsheet or balance sheet. It’s a record of debits and deposits. Almost like balancing your checking account, one day your suffering will be reconciled.
On the earthly ledger, we tend to view suffering as a liability. On the eternal ledger, however, suffering is an appreciating asset. Faith adds God to the equation. In all situations, God has the final word. We reckon according to what God says. Mark comments on the role of suffering in your life:
“You can be saved without suffering, but you cannot fully identify with Christ. Suffering doesn’t devalue our lives. It adds value in the form of invaluable lessons. It’s also a multiplier of God’s glory. When compared to the eternal glory it yields, time-stamped suffering ranks as one of God’s greatest gifts.”
Drawing on his own expertise, Mark has learned that God teaches us some things through suffering that we couldn’t have learned any other way. God doesn’t award honorary doctorates. We earn our degrees through the school of suffering, the school of failure, the school of pain. Suffering can become a graduate course in gratitude.
According to the law of diminishing marginal utility, more is less. Pastor Batterson connects this law with our measure of joy:
“Joy is not getting what you want; it’s appreciating what you have.”
Mark asserts we’d be happier, healthier, and holier if we simplified our lives. He concludes: The only thing not out of date is eternity.”
Today’s question: C. T. Studd, founder of Heart of Africa Mission, famously said “only what’s done for Christ will last.” How does this influence how we reckon? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Sight but no vision”
