In Christian circles, we’re often taught to fight against discontent and greed.
So, we learn to not want what we don’t have, and try to live a life of gratitude and give thanks for our blessings.
But often it’s the idol of comfort that creeps into our lives – and can end up destroying us before we even know what happened.
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8
This chilling passage reminds us that Satan is always on the prowl looking to trip us up and take our focus off of God.
When our bellies and homes are full, it’s easy to get used to the pleasures of life and forget to be watchful.
But this is when the enemy strikes and leads us to believe we’re living out the Christian life well when we aren’t.
You see, when life is comfortable and we are enjoying God’s gifts, we sometimes begin to love the gift more than the Giver.
And it happens so slowly, we don’t even realize we’re becoming spiritually numb.
We can become so attached to our possessions, our success, and seeking the things of this world instead of keeping an eternal perspective.
After all, it’s easy to praise God when life is going well, right?
And if we’re not careful, we can often fall prey to pride, believing we are responsible for this amazing life we’ve created and wrongly believe the lie that we don’t need God.
But as we love our possessions and cling fiercely to our money, we suddenly think this life is all about us and forget why we’re here.
Not that’s it’s wrong to appreciate and enjoy God’s gifts – as long as we’re prepared to give up everything should we be called to.
Let’s be honest, we may think we are “content” in life, but what would we do if suddenly everything was stripped away?
The story of Job is a sober reminder that we could lose it all in the blink of an eye.
Job’s friends turned against him. He lost his children. He had painful sores all over his body and his wife told him to curse God.
Yet He still praised God.
Would we still praise God if we lost our home, a spouse, or a loved one?
And a deeper question – what are we doing with all the gifts God has given us? Are we keeping them for ourselves and just enjoying having a “comfortable life”? Or are we truly stewarding them well?
Desiring God writes:
“When Christ comes like a thief in the night, how many of us will he find in our robes and slippers, sitting content by the fire, whispering to ourselves, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry” (Luke 12:19)?
I know I quietly hope, from time to time, that Jesus might be content to supplement an American life. That I need never be late for dinner.
And by this fire, the dragon’s fierce persecutions, the imponderable rates of unborn executions, the peril of unbelieving neighbors, and the multitudes of lost souls tumbling from this world without ever hearing of Christ all seem comfortably far-off.”
But Jesus doesn’t bless us so we can live comfortable lives in the suburbs isolated from the world.
He blesses us so we can be used to be a blessing to others!
No, this doesn’t mean we should sell all our possessions and move to a third-world country (although some may be called to do so).
But it does mean we should be aware of the suffering and needs of others – and do our part to participate in the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations.
This might mean adopting or fostering a child without a home and showing them the love of Christ.
Or it could be caring for a refuge family who has fled persecution or doesn’t know the love and peace of Jesus.
Maybe it’s giving regularly to a Christian ministry that’s sharing the love of Christ around the world – or it could mean moving your family overseas to live as missionaries!
Whatever God has called you to do, it’s important that you obey Him and not become so numb by comfort, you end up turning a blind eye to those He’s put in your direct path.
May our hearts not become hardened or dulled by the needs of others around us. May we always keep an eternal perspective!
To stay current on the latest Christian Life Daily stories, follow us on Facebook and be sure to like and share our posts!
