2 Corinthians 4

In these first verses, I think Paul is talking about the importance of being open about the gospel so that every man can decide in his own conscience if it is true or not. The gospel is hid only to them who will not listen to their hearts, who have allowed themselves to be blinded by Satan and the thinking of the world. I like how the gospel is compared to light shining in our hearts and giving us the light of knowledge. Light always makes things clear and unmistakable. In darkness, we grope, we try to find our way without knowing where we are. So we blindly move trying not to stumble, fall or bump into something that would be painful. But in light, we see clearly every detail and know exactly where to go. And we can avoid the things that cause unnecessary pain. The worst darkness is the darkness that can cover the mind and the heart, clouding our understanding and lessening our ability to feel.

I also like Paul's positive attitude. He says that even though their preaching causes them to be troubled on every side, they are not distressed, perplexed but not in distress, persecuted but not forsaken, cast down but not destroyed. It is important that in life, we do suffer some pain. It is necessary for our growth. There is a difference, though, between pain we suffer because of poor choices and pain that life's experiences provide for our growth. President Kimball said, "Being human, we would expel from our lives physical pain and mental anguish and assure ourselves of continual ease and comfort, but if we were to close the doors upon sorrow and distress, we might be excluding our greatest friends and benefactors. Suffering can makes saints of people as they learn patience, long suffering, and self mastery." Paul has such a positive attitude because he knows that Christ is the source of all true comfort. And the price Paul and we pay in suffering is very small, "but for a moment" (In D&C 121, the Lord says the same to Joseph, "but for a small moment"), compared to the eternal glory that we will eventually experience.