Dean, I agree with you here.

Peace,
Steve

Dean West wrote:

> Brothers,
> This is an interesting discussion.  In reading through the thoughts  I began 
> to  get the impression that some are suggesting a greater/deeper  level of 
> service/Christianity  because they have experienced persecution on a more 
> severe or physical  level.  I have difficulty accepting that idea. If I am 
> living within the center of God's will, exercising the gifts given me by His 
> Spirit for service,  then wherever he leads me will be as God honoring as 
> the service given by any other saint walking in the center of His will. 
> Granted the responsibilities may be greater and the consequences more far 
> reaching, but to imply one servant living in his will possesses greater 
> spiritual clout than another because his suffering takes a different path 
> just does not ring true with the walk I believe a Christian is to walk.
> 
>   I do agree with Mike that we do not need to pray for persecution, the 
> scripture assures us that those who live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer 
> persecution.  I am sure each pastor here can testify to that truth. 
> Possibly a prayer for more godliness would be more appropriate.....mmmmmmmm 
> .
> 
> Dean
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Derick Dickens" <Derick@...>
> To: <pastorsforum@...>
> Sent: Thursday, March 31, 2005 8:17 AM
> Subject: RE: [PastorsForum] Prayer for persecution?
> 
> 
> Mike,
> 
> I think in any position you hold you can have a "Complex".  Because
> there are wrongful motives does not mean it is not a wonderful way of
> showing the absoute beauty of God.  Which, I believe is what martyrdom
> does.   Everything God does we can get a complex.  That is why the early
> church said, "Don't provoke your martyrdom."  Yet, it is glorifying to
> the Lord.
> 
> Derick
> 
>