Comfortable Christian.
This should be an oxymoron.
But here in America, I think we have it a bit mixed up. We think that the evidence of God's blessing is that we are comfortable.
Hmmmm....
Jesus never modeled comfort for us. In fact, He basically said that to follow Him was an invitation to come and die.
Well, that doesn't sound too appealing. How do you get followers when that is your tagline?
He even said strange-sounding things like, "...whoever loses his life for My sake will find it." (Matthew 10:39)
What does that mean? I read an illustration this morning that explained it perfectly. A horse trainer was describing the 'breaking' of a horse. "Until horses are broken they are only consumers. When they are broken they are not less alive, they are more alive. It's as if they have found their purpose, what they were made for. There is such a unity then between horse and master. Wild horses might seem spectacular as they race across a canon, but they are of no use to anyone but themselves. A horse that has been broken with love and respect is an animal in rhythm with it's destiny." (Gifts For Your Soul, pg. 129)
There is a popular brand of Christianity right now that is teaching that life is all about feeling good, being entertained and staying comfortable.
Really?
In my personal experience, I only feel alive when I am bowing to the will of the Master...the One who created me...the only One who knows what makes me tick and what will make me live in exhilaration and freedom. Yes, freedom. It is a perplexing paradox to come and die so that you can be free. But try it my friend, and you will experience it. Die to your own desires, die to your longing to be comfortable..and let's face it--we all love comfort.
And how does one do that?
It's not easy. Another paradox is that we KNOW what we should do, but we often don't do it.
Sigh....
It's a constant struggle with our selfishness. But God will help us if we ask Him.
So ask...
Come and die...
And be free to live a life of purpose, meaning and excitement. I promise you, you will not regret it. There is emptiness in our own comfort. There is fulfillment in following Christ.
I love this post. In Bible Study we are reading the book "10 Dumb Things Smart Christians Believe", I think you would like it...it's sort of the "urban legends of Christian thought". You are right, Christians shouldn't feel comfortable and we are not told we would be. We are given strength for today, hope for tomorrow...Amen!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your reminder today!
I am here to ask you if you might be able to send me an email at iheartfaces (at) hotmail (dot) com. I'd like to ask you a quick question about something.
ReplyDeleteBut...while stopping by I found that I received a bonus. Encouragement and conviction from the words you wrote. Thank you for that! :)
I'll look forward to hearing from you soon,
~Angie
co-founder of I Heart Faces
Just found your blog through iheartfaces. Can't wait to delve into your archives to learn more about your family. Just reading the post you wrote for the ihearfaces contest, has certainly peaked my interest.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations....
That was a great illustration and one I will be sharing with others. It seems that sometimes we have to lose ourselves, to find ourselves, but only through the blessings from God. I understand we are to be lowly in heart & humble before we can ever gain anything worth possessing, which is more so in the life thereafter.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post! Congratulations on your win as well. Blessings to you at Easter!
ReplyDeleteLove this. Thank you for this word! I was looking for an email to email you. I will be going to the AW workshop! I was so happy for your win! I was just wondering which one you will be going to. Would love to meet you in person! Here is my email address if you have a minute. leightrs@aol.com
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