We often talk of delayed gratification, but have we ever thought abut “delayed suffering?”

The concept of delayed gratification is a biblical one. We may not have it as we want it here on earth, but we will be satisfied fully in heaven. Therefore, we need to be patient and suffer well in the meantime, knowing that we will be fully gratified later. That’s delayed gratification.

But what about delayed suffering? It goes like this: Some may have it good here on earth. They may not have everything they want, but really, they have succeeded in creating heaven on earth! However, eternal suffering is coming later.

For believers, this is the worst world we will live in. It will only get better.

For unbelievers, this is the best world they will live in. It will only get worse.

We forget that hell is a reality. Eternal loneliness, hatred, selfishness, torment is coming for those who have not accepted the gift of Jesus Christ. We would do well to love them and warn them of the impending suffering.

Do you believe in heaven? Then you must also believe in hell. As real as heaven is in our minds, so is hell real. Jesus, that gentle Shepherd who bled for sinners, talked much of hell. Not to condemn, but to warn. We ought to do the same.

But there is one more thing. Meditate on hell. Do so until its ugly and scary reality starts affecting your emotions (Watching “Schindler’s List” might do it). Then, think, that is where you were headed. You were dangling by a string right above it and all it needed was a car to veer off the median and hit you for that string to be cut and you fall to hell forever. But you were spared. Instead, you have Jesus Christ and the world as your inheritance!

How happy should you be?

PH