Experience the Pain?

(Please read understanding that this is the ramblings of a person that is a little lost for words on how to describe the following phenomenon.)

After several discussions with people over the last few weeks since our return from South Africa, one thing keeps coming up. The subject of pain usually makes its way into the conversation. Everything from "I couldn't do that because I can't deal with that much pain" to "I wouldn't want to have that much pain." (these are just my versions of I think they are saying)

The point is why is everyone so focused on the pain and the need to avoid it at all costs? I, for one, am a "pain avoider" and tend to make decisions based on the least amount of pain to be experienced. We are built (physically) to avoid pain, however, I don't know that is true emotionally or spiritually. I look at the story from George that I posted last week and I read through the New Testament and I don't see many people avoiding the pain.

Pain shows up in our physical body to tell us that something is wrong and needs to be fixed. The same could be for the other parts of our being. So is it best to always avoid pain? Not really. Never experiencing pain means you probably haven't lived to your fullest. (the obvious medical exceptions must be noted) Maybe you need to chase something, jump off something but most of all I think people need to experience emotional and spiritual pain to make sure they are still alive.

Pain is something that draws us nearer to Christ. He came and experienced all things painful. I realize that he experienced all other emotion but He felt all the emotions people brought to him including the realization of their own sin. Wow! Maybe that is what emotional pain is all about. The realization of our own faults and problems. We see a little of what He sees and it HURTS.