The Allure of Comfort
I want you to take a moment to consider: if your goal was to have the easiest life possible here on Earth, what would be your plan to achieve that? I want you to think of a realistic plan (not banking on winning the lottery or something like that). How would you maximize your comfort and security?
Now honestly reflect: how different does your life currently look from that plan?
I ask this because we are naturally conditioned to find the easiest way to do everything. If we don't intentionally set a different course, we will gravitate towards what is easy and comfortable. This is a big problem for us believers because we can't live by faith and live for comfort. It's when we do things that stretch us and take us out of our comfort zone that our faith is tested and strengthened. When we're comfortable, we don't need to depend on God in the same way. We start feeling self-sufficient, and because most of us love being in control, we start ordering our lives to avoid risk and maintain that feeling of security.
Eternal Perspective
When I study the Scriptures, I don't see people taking the path of least resistance. Stop for a moment and read through Hebrews 11. It goes through example after example of people who made radical decisions in obedience to God. These decisions cost them their homes, their freedom, and in some cases, their lives. Hebrews 11:13-16 explains why:
"These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city." (Hebrews 11:13-16)
They acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth, and sought eternal reward rather than temporary comfort. They didn't look back at the things they left behind, but kept looking forward in faith. That's what it means to have an eternal perspective. Paul says the same thing in Philippians 3:
"But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:13-14)
No one in heaven regrets the temporary sacrifices they made on Earth. Perfect intimacy with Jesus, abundance of joy, and pleasure forevermore await us in the life to come. What do we have to fear or hold back in this life!
Pleasing Faith
Hebrews 11:6 says that, "without faith it is impossible to please [God], for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him." Living by faith isn't optional for believers. It's not just for "radical Christians." Without faith, it is impossible to please God. Living by faith means sacrificing for the Kingdom, standing firm on truth even when it's unpopular, and obeying even when it scares you. It doesn't look the same for everyone, but it is a universal calling.
I encourage you to take some time to ask the Lord what specific steps of obedience He is calling you to right now. Is there anything you are holding back from Him out of fear? Confess and release that to Him. Ask Him to fill you with faith and joyful anticipation of the life to come.
May that fuel you to press on towards the finish line with boldness and courage.
