STOP AND THINK – The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly:–’Tis dearness only that gives everything its value. (Thomas Paine, 18th-19th century American revolutionary author)
It’s hard to imagine the pain, deprivation, and suffering that the armies of the American Revolution endured to bring about the creation of the American nation. But Paine’s observation about the glory of victory illustrates well the principle that the value of any accomplishment is determined by the price of its achievement.
… if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory . . . I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us . . . (Romans 8:17, 18)