Clothes come in sizes. Belts can be adjusted. Thermostats control the temperature in a room. Mattresses are offered with various degrees of firmness. Fabrics can be breathable, soft, sheer, waterproof, wind-resistant, or even provide UV protection from the sun. Life, as we know it, is good. In many ways, we have been conditioned to measure circumstances by our own self-imposed standards of comfort.
However, comfort does not produce spiritual progress. In fact, comfort can be a symptom of apathy and indifference. This is true of the Laodecians who were rebuked for being lukewarm and neither hot nor cold. While they felt comfortable, they were spiritually “wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked” (Rev. 3:14-17). A comfortable religion is neither exciting nor profitable. At times, “pressing on” in our service to Christ may feel uncomfortable (Ph. 3:14). But, we are anchored to Christ and must “be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord…” (1 Cor. 15:58).
On a personal level, drawing near to God brings us through uncomfortable changes. Submission to God, resistance to the devil, purification of life and cleansing of heart: these are some of the uncomfortable things experienced when drawing near to God (Jas. 4:7-8). But, then James adds these uncomfortable words: “Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to gloom” (Jas. 4:9-10). One simply cannot draw near to God without discomfort. Repentance, itself, is produced by godly sorrow (2 Cor. 7:10). As long as we are comfortable with sin, we will do nothing about it.
Are we comfortable with where we are spiritually? Have we become complacent to matters needing correction? Do we take seriously the challenges of spiritual growth knowing that such changes demand courage and perseverance? Don’t be swallowed up in creature comforts. Live on the edge of challenge—on the precipice of spiritual growth. It won’t be easy and it certainly will not be comfortable. But it will bring us a truer sense of fulfillment and a fuller assurance of hope than ever imagined by those who are at ease in the temporary and false comfort of this world.
–Glen Elliott–