Wednesday, February 25, 2009

At what point does following Jesus trump personal comfort?

I have always been one to look out for my own personal comfort. I like a comfortable bed to sleep in. I have preferences in the food I eat. There is a certain style of clothes I like to wear. I have a nice car to drive, I'm even picky about the horses I ride. I live in a country that is comfortable (for the most part). I mean...I could go on and on. I am grateful for all of these things. I don't take them for granted. As a disciple of Jesus, though, I'm being convicted about my concern for personal comfort when there is such an apparent need in this world for people to hear about and be invited to receive him. I am being convicted that there is more to discipleship that my own personal comfort. When I look back over my life, will I be satisfied that I lived a comfortable life? No, I think I will have missed out on something if all I had was comfort. In the Bible, Jesus' words and warnings to his followers were not that they were to seek to live the comfortable life, but that they were to take up their cross, abide in Him and do the works that he did. He admitted this would inevitably bring persecution. That doesn't sound very comfortable to me. It is still his word to his followers today, though, and it is a word I want to heed. Lord, as you call me to paths of service where I need to forego my comfort may I go willingly and joyfully. It is for the progress of the Kingdom on the earth and the benefit of those who will receive you as a result of my obedience. May you, Oh Lord, receive all the honor and glory due you. Amen