Why is it that we choose almost everything in life based on our comforts? Probably because it just feels good. We wouldn’t want to sit in a brick recliner right? I get that.
Here’s the thing though… We cannot view being a Christ follower the same way! We cannot view church, or being the Church that way.
Why do we think we can reach the world, or for that matter, our neighbor by being comfortable within the four walls of our churches? I’ve heard this statement too many times, and it has got to stop!
“We go to this church, or we’ve chosen this denomination because it’s where we feel the most comfortable…”
Even if we wouldn’t actually say that out loud, we too often show it with our actions. We won’t go to this church because they’re too charismatic and they speak in tongues… OUT LOUD! Or, we don’t go to this church because the pastor didn’t talk to us after the service. Or, we do go to this church because the worship pastor sounds like Chris Tomlin…
Pick your poison, but the fact is, it always comes back to our comforts. Too many people in the church have gotten to the place where they don’t want to be pushed out their comfort zone. If you don’t allow yourself to be pushed out of your comfort zone, you’ll never make a difference in this world!
Do you think the early church was comfortable when they were out changing the world? NO! They were too busy getting stoned to death, chopped in half, and hung on crosses.
If you are truly going OUT to the hurting, the broken, the displaced, the violent, the addicted, the strung out, the forgotten, the world, I can promise you this… it won’t be comfortable.
4 Comments
June 16, 2009 at 2:59 pm
What a great rally cry for the church today! I love it my friend!
When you have time, could you give us some more practical application on some of this? I think it would be greatly helpful when it comes to things like choosing a church. Obviously you’re not telling us to look for the most uncomfortable church we can find and join it – sometimes things are uncomfortable because they are wrong. Other times they are wrong because they are too intentionally comfortable and we aren’t motivated to do anything.
How does one find the balance between the two? How does one know when God is using what “clicks” with you to draw you to the church He wants you in while still being sensitive to what should never become comfortable?
June 16, 2009 at 4:55 pm
Great thoughts Tony! It’s easy to talk about and I’ve heard so many people talk about it, but when it finally came time to actually be uncomfortable, I’ve seen those talkers stop talking and retreat. I hope you defy that group!
7 months ago, Kerri and I made a decision that was very uncomfortable. We left our home church and went on staff at a church just 4 miles down the road. But this new church isn’t like our old church. They don’t have the same worship style. They aren’t very charismatic. They’re all white. They’re mostly upper class. They’re…Methodist! eeeeeeeeeeekkkkk!
But it was exactly where God was leading us and the past 7 months have been some of the most incredible in our journey with God. Our lack of comfort has brought tremendous growth and shaken us from our complacency.
But like you said, it was not about our comfort. It IS about His name and making Him famous!
June 17, 2009 at 4:45 am
Did the early church even “go to church”????
June 17, 2009 at 4:33 pm
Tony, brother I love it man. The Lord has placed this within my very core and I understand and see the perspective your seeing. I love you brother! I need to call you and catch up! Keep the fire burning!