We should tremble, when the Scripture tells us that few shall be saved; especially when the character of the "few" so closely resembles current culture. How good it is for some if they had never known prosperity! It was so with Israel; when they were in a humble condition in the wilderness, then Israel was "holiness to the Lord:" but when they came into Canaan and were richly fed, their language was, "We are lords, we will come no more unto thee".
For this reason I say, "Praise God for my afflictions", as they keep me dependent on God, in need for His mercy. But this too is a fallacy of sorts, in that, I am always in need of His mercies. Yet, in my sufferings, it is then that I am aware of such needs, and this acute understanding is what drives me to a richer relationship. It is as if, in my prosperous state, I am blinded by my self-sufficiency and alienated from His joy. Lord keep me dependent of You!