ARE WE TOO COMFORTABLE?

 

In a recent conversation, someone made the comment that as Christians we have become too comfortable. My first reaction was to disagree, but as I thought more about it, I began to wonder if he might have been right.

 

Are we too comfortable in our routine? It is very easy for us to become creatures of habit. We follow the same routine day in and day out. I remember an episode of a television comedy from several years ago. The husband and wife were having a disagreement one morning over who would get in the shower first. His whole argument was based on his routine. His solution was to start earlier. She responded, “That’s not changing your routine. It’s just the same routine started two hours earlier. We go to work (or school), we come home, we do a few things, watch a little television, and go to bed. The next morning, we start the same routine over again. We have gotten so comfortable in our routines that when someone suggests a change, you would think the world is coming to an end. For some, it is a part of their routine to attend Bible classes and worship. They have no real desire or zeal to be here, it’s just routine. Change things up a little. Go visit a Christian family, take a meal to someone who is sick, spend some time together with your family in prayer and Bible study. Make the best use of the time you have. “(R)edeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:16).

 

Are we too comfortable saying no to the Lord? We attend every service, well most of them, we sing every song, we critique every sermon, we partake of every communion, but we are not really involved. “Will you teach a Bible class?” “No, that’s just not my thing.” “Will you conduct a Bible study with a non-Christian?” “No, I am afraid they may ask me a question I cannot answer.” “Will you go sit with someone who is shut-in?” “No, I get really uncomfortable around sick people.” You are not just saying no to this or that preacher, or deacon, or elder. Do you realize every time you say no to these and other similar questions, you are really saying no to the Lord? (Read Matthew 25:31-46). Jesus said when you do it (or don’t do it) to My brethren you are doing it (or not doing it) to me. Perhaps you have been saying no so long that it comes naturally now. Perhaps you are so comfortable saying no that it’s like your lazy boy recliner; once you get in it, it’s almost impossible to get you out. Step out of your comfort zone. Take a risk. Do something unusual. Try saying yes for a change. Get involved in various aspects of the work of the church. Be more than just a spectator, or a bench warmer. Get out on the field and become a player, an active member of the team. If you continue to say no to the Lord, don’t be surprised when He says no to you on judgment day.

 

Are we too comfortable with the status quo concerning evangelism? Let the preacher and elders take care of that. In the past year, how many people have you made a concerted effort to teach the gospel? Are you comfortable with the fact that people die every day in Camden County unprepared to meet God? Paul said that he had planted, Apollos had watered, and God had given the increase. God will give the increase, His word will produce a harvest, but the seed cannot produce if we do not plant or water. “Then I said, “I will not make mention of Him, Nor speak anymore in His name.” But His word was in my heart like a burning fire Shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, And I could not.” (Jeremiah 20:9).

 

Maybe it’s time for us to get a little uncomfortable.

--Lamar