Being uncomfortable in a comfort seeking world

Comfort.

From automobiles, to recliners, to clothing, people look for comfort. Some seek it financially. Others seek it physically. A person’s comfort level in any situation can only be defined by that person.

But today I want to share with you about another type comfort that has settled upon us – spiritual comfort.

I define spiritual comfort as born again believers becoming complacent in their obedience to our Lord Jesus Christ. In fact, I consider myself an expert on spiritual comfort because I have found myself parked there too many times.

Let me give you some of the symptoms of spiritual comfort.

At the top of my list is being comfortable when it has been days since I have spent time talking and listening to God in prayer and in the reading of His word – the Bible.

I am really comfortable when weeks have gone by without my having shared the gospel – or my testimony – with anyone.

Spiritual comfort definitely sets in when I look at my check book and see that I have not tithed regularly.

Of course I am really mired in spiritual comfort when I find it so easy to criticize other believers for the way they are serving God.

Spiritual comfort is sin in disguise.

Yes, sin – that three letter word that we do not like to hear because it makes us, well, uncomfortable. It causes us spiritual discomfort…or at least it should.

Is there an inoculation we can take for the malady of spiritual comfort or are we destined to be forever under its destructive power?

Jesus has the answer. He calls it “Repent.”

If you think sin isn’t talked about much in churches today, think about the last time you heard a message about repentance. To repent is to change the direction of our life. It is to turn from living the comfortable life, and to turn to living a life pleasing to God.

As born again believers we need to be uncomfortable in a comfort seeking world. Our desire must be to be obedient to the commands of Christ, no matter how uncomfortable it may make us.

Jesus said, “If anyone wants to be My follower, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of Me and the gospel will save it. For what does it benefit a man to gain the whole world yet lose his life?”

Jesus knew it would not be comfortable for us to follow Him. But He gave us such a great example of someone who was willing to suffer through unimaginable discomfort because He desired to please God rather than man.

What are the circumstances or entanglements in your life that have lowered you into the hammock of spiritual comfort? Will you, knowing the love God demonstrated for you through His Son, recommit yourself to an uncomfortable life; one that loves, honors, and obeys your Lord Jesus Christ?

If this is what you know you need to do…then take the advice of Jesus, "Repent," and be set free!