God has been speaking to my heart the last couple of days on this topic: Are we comfortable? Brothers, we should never be comfortable!
We have a tendency to become deeply involved in ourselves and our problems, and we forget about others around us. I have said this often: “This life is not about me.”
Jesus certainly did not make His life about Himself and, if we are to become more Christlike, we need to not be self-centered, self-exalting or wrapped up in self issues. Also, when we get comfortable in our relationships with our brothers, we have a tendency to become very close to one or two brothers and hang out with those brothers on a regular basis. But we forget about the others. We should be aware of others and their issues, feelings and fears.
Pay attention, guys! If you know a brother who is going through a loss, struggling with an addiction, suffering through a divorce, etc., try and reach out to him on a regular basis. Let him know you care.
Here is another area where we become comfortable: We have a tendency to migrate together at events and church services, always sitting with the same group. This makes us seem like we are in a clique, and others do not feel comfortable approaching us.
Try sitting around different people. My wife and I tried this recently at church. I really think I liked it, although she is more of a creature of habit and was a bit uncomfortable.
But you know what? Christianity is not about comfort. Here is a challenge: Step out of your comfort zone and seek to be uncomfortable. Call a brother you have not had much contact with and invite him for coffee. Try sitting in a different location at church if you always sit with the same group. Go out of your way at church or an event to introduce yourself to someone you do not know and watch what happens. Serve God. Yes, I said serve!
Find someplace to serve in the church or community, maybe feeding the homeless, serving in the youth ministry, visiting a convalescent home or helping a neighbor with a chore. Get up and get moving! We can pay lip service all we want about being a Christian, but we must show it as well.
Live it, dream it, be it! Stay strong and stand firm!
“For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” —Galatians 5:13, NKJV
