On this side of the world, it can be tempting to idolize comfort.
While God does promise to satisfy the desires of our heart when we submit them to Him – nowhere in the Bible does He promise safety or comfort.
In fact – He promises the opposite – with one goal in mind.
God’s desire is to make you more like Jesus, as the flesh of your old-self burns off and you become sanctified.
While total sanctification won’t happen until heaven, the more we lean into Christ and trust Him – even when we are suffering – and even when He says “no” to our prayers – the more we are made like Jesus.
Tragically, many Christians are more focused on storing up possessions and riches on this side of heaven that they miss the main point.
It’s not that money is bad – because it isn’t. But the idolization of money is.
When a Christian is more concerned with making life more pleasing to themselves or to impress other people than helping those who are suffering – there is a problem.
Or when a person is so intent on moving up the corporate ladder – they may ignore the fact that God is calling them to serve in a different way – perhaps on the other side of the world.
The truth is, when we become followers of Jesus, we give up the right to have life the way we want it.
Instead, we humbly seek God’s will for our lives – willing to do whatever He calls us to do – regardless the cost.
Our brothers and sisters on the other side of the world often get this – as many come to follow Christ knowing it could cost them their lives.
Christians in remote areas of the world continue to be slayed and lose their lives for following Jesus…
… meanwhile we complain that our church building is “too hot” or the seats aren’t comfortable.
As Christians – we must daily submit our desire to be fully comfortable – and realize that our comfort is secondary to living out God’s plan for our lives.
And no – this doesn’t mean everyone is called to sell everything they own and live overseas.
But it does mean to earnestly pray and see where and how God wants you to serve – and oftentimes it involves some sacrifice of personal comfort.
Remember, this world is not our home – we are just passing through.
There’s no point in investing everything we have into this world when it will eventually all pass away.
The most important thing we can do as Christians is to boldly live out our faith, realizing people die every second and will be eternally separated from a Holy God because they didn’t put their faith, hope, and trust into Jesus Christ.
And finally, we must realize our lives belong to Christ – and we must be willing to do whatever He asks of us.
If you struggle with laying down your life at the foot of the cross, you aren’t alone.
But you can confess the idol of comfort to God today, and ask Him to help you become in alignment with His will for your life.
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” –Matthew 6: 19-20
God will take care of your needs – but you must be willing to sacrifice the idea of comfort, as it isn’t always a guarantee.
Do you idolize comfort?
What are some ways you can put down this idol and embrace God’s true calling for your life?
You can post your answers to our Facebook page and join in the conversation with other believers from all around the world.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” – John 3:16-17
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