Pursuing God’s call on our lives will result in a collision. We cannot choose to coddle our comfort zones while being Spirit-driven. I’ve tried it, but it doesn’t work. Maybe it’s the suffering from the past that scares us from taking risks and getting hurt again. Maybe we hate failure, rejection, or the loneliness that comes with being and living differently for Christ.
As I was reflecting on 1 Peter 4 this weekend, I experienced great conviction. I recognized that my desire for comfort has dominated most of my game lately. Willingness to suffer for Christ got kicked out of my game the past few years. I think I suffered more internally because I stopped being willing to suffer for Christ and for others.
Will I pursue following Christ’s example and suffer with and for Jesus,
or will I coddle my comfort zone?
Playing it safe is like dropping back and playing prevent defense hoping that you don’t lose the game, while others are taking over more and more of the territory you wish was yours. Then you get mad at them because they’re winning, and you end up losing the game.
I believe God is calling us to engage our entire being in a cosmic battle. It will require all of us working together. Suffering together. Sharing in His glory together. Making Christ know by developing, using, and sharing the gifts God has given us, so that others feel God’s generosity through us working together. Instead of being surprised by pain and suffering, hurt or rejection, we should be thankful that God allows us to suffer and be partners with Christ.
If you pause for a few minutes to reflect on the score of your game, who is winning? Comfort or suffering? How many things have you been thinking, saying, doing, praying, eating, drinking, or spending time and money on that is for your comfort? How many things have you participated in that led to you suffering for Christ for His glory and for the benefit of others?
As our world becomes increasingly infested with so many comfort zone enhancers (drugs, alcohol, gambling, sports, unhealthy foods, pornography, screens, endless opportunities 4 money-making and buying something new, leaving uncomfortable jobs and relationships…), it’s easy to cave 2 comfort. And before long, our lives are out of control. Be careful when the world says something is good or necessary for your happiness. It could be bad for you and destroy you.
When I got to slip away this weekend with my wife to celebrate our 33rd anniversary, we were out shopping when she stumbled upon this plaque. She asked me if I wanted it for my office. I snapped a picture of it instead.
What I really need to do is to cancel my subscription to my fear of suffering for Christ and my comfort zone enhancers. Then I will really die to myself, take up my cross, and follow Jesus into the dynamic adventure He’s inviting me into. I tell people the only time I’m really content in life is when I’m fully surrendered to Christ. I think it’s time to dive into surrender lake, take the plunge, and trust the goodness of God’s love to lead and provide and sustain me. That’s real faith and Spirit-driven living.
Want to take the plunge with me?
What’s the Lord calling you to do?
Let’s go for it!