Too comfortable?

  Is your life too comfortable? Are you moving into the 'complacent' stage? Have you stopped stretching yourself? The lack of 'stretching' is typically the best sign that you have succumbed to what is known, what is liked or enjoyed, and you are in an unruffle-able place. Is this really what you want? Ignoring those people, issues that would require you to act, perhaps in an uncomfortable situation, is this who you are or what you want? And yes, I've asked this question before. It typically is one we ask ourselves, or should, occasionally.

  I have heard the 'explanation' by someone, that their 'comfortable times' were regrouping and refreshing times. I suspect some credence could be accorded this view... depending on the length of time in those places and times and then the subsequent behavior. Undeniably, everyone needs times of refreshing, of regrouping, of regeneration in order to once again enter into the fray (Webster: a usually disorderly or protracted fight, struggle, or dispute). It is illogical to go into battle (even if only a skirmish) if we are tired or ill equipped. 

  I'm not talking about regrouping and refreshing, I'm talking about not growing and not embracing our day and our world - a kind of snuggling in to where and who we are. We all tend to (fall into?) times of rose colored glasses viewing, but this only causes mistakes that need not happen. If we are doing the rose color thing, why? And yes, I do know I've talked about this 'state' before, but it is important that we not attempt to delude (or excuse) ourselves. If this is what we're doing (escape, denial) then we need to be honest with about this and decide what we will do next.

  Absolutely! We all need times of comfortable-ness. We need to regroup or refresh or do whatever is necessary to catch our breaths before moving on, but we don't need to reside there. We live in a hurting world that needs who we are as a visible example. If we are 'too tired' then take the time to refresh but also take the time to determine what you can do after this interlude. We have not been put into this world to 'be comfortable' but to be salt and light. Remember, you are not doing the fighting from your own strength. You have a partner in this who will strengthen you to do and be all that is asked of you. 
  

Leaning on... your understanding

  Do you? Of course. It seems we all do. Not always a good idea. However we are warned not to do this. Proverbs 3:5 says, "Trust in the Lord with ALL thine heart and lean NOT on your own understanding." (Caps, mine) But still, we will trust in ourselves first. I'm not certain that it is a lack of trust in the Lord in all things at all times, I think it is more that we just tend to (unthinkingly?) follow what we 'think'. Or is that really only an excuse?

  Verse 6 completes the thought, "In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths." The promise is that He shall direct. 'Shall' is not an equivocal word - it means precisely, shall. This means that as we intentionally acknowledge Him and His involvement in our lives, as we turn to Him to seek the steps we need to take that He will give us the direction. Direct, though, still leaves the following up to us. We do tend to overdo the independent mindset but it really is still our decision to follow or not. And yes, we do 'know' better but sometimes that isn't in the forefront of our thinking.

  The parable about the Rich Fool (Luke 12:13-34) tells the 'story' of a man who focused on his understanding, desires, and subsequent actions... and the result of this behavior is... (v. 20) This parable also give us a number of lessons that help us live our lives, if we choose to learn them, - about treasure, worry, seeking. We need to answer the questions of where our treasure is - earthly or divine. Why we are worrying and its effects (v. 22-28). And what it is we should seek (v.31). If we can resolve our concerns surrounding treasure, worry, and seeking then we do live in strength and not fear.

  I also believe that there has to be a presumptive basis for truth, an ultimate source, 'expert', to rely on and for me this is scripture. This provides me examples and standards on which to judge my beliefs and actions. Scripture demonstrates the faithfulness and unchanging nature of the God of the universe. In doing this, it tells me that I can trust and lean on this for my understanding rather than 'hoping' I got it right when I lean on my own understanding. 
  

What to do about... Jesus

  Simply because you believe in one (thing, concept, person) doesn't necessarily translate into believing in the next association. Nothing is ever 'automatic', at least, I don't find this to be the case. For me believing in and accepting that there is a God was a given. He was 'introduced' to me when I was a young child and my belief really didn't change, though I'm not sure my understanding grew significantly. 

  However, once there was the realization that there is a need for salvation, you have to acknowledge who and what Jesus was and continues to be. Simple? Not easy for me. It wasn't that I was embarrassed about Jesus, I was embarrassed in front of Him. How could I possibly square who and what He did with who and what I was? No, I wasn't all that 'bad' - perhaps it would have been easier if I was. I just wasn't all that 'good' either and later discovered that I never could have been 'good enough' on my own. But that really didn't help either. What to do about Jesus? Not acceptance as an issue, the 'now what' part.

  It is my belief that you just don't say that you accept Jesus as Lord and that's it - words. I believe acceptance demands more - actions as well as words. I believe it is impossible to ignore Jesus - His life and His words and actions. I think that we are required to build a relationship; because Jesus is never 'out there', he has always been 'here and now'. The fascinating discovery for me was that He never intrudes, He always is available but it is always our choice to develop a relationship.

  Salvation is impossible without Jesus (Acts 4:12) and in acknowledging this, it's not possible for Him to be distant from us.  Romans 8:29 tells us that Jesus is the first born among many brethren. Galatians 4:6 and Romans 8:15,16 teaches us that we are adopted and are children of God (v.17) and joint heirs with Jesus. With all this information you can't just dismiss Jesus or put Him safely on a shelf. There are countless other scriptures indicating His involvement with us. Among other acts, He is our intercessor (Hebrews 7:25) so He is concerned about who we are becoming.

  What to do? Accept your unworthiness - yes, but don't stop there. Develop a relationship with Him - He's waiting for you. When you made Jesus your Lord, your acceptance of Jesus and who and what He did provided you with an acceptance by God because you were made the righteousness in Him (2 Corinthians 7:17-21). And you were invited into His work. You must be strong and resolute and walk in what Jesus has prepared for you... even if you were the only one. 

The way things are...

  What is your opinion on this state? Does it give you a nice, warm, safe feeling, that all's well with the world? Or does it give you a bad taste - a sense of sameness, defined as boring? Do the words make you long for change, for something new, different? Perhaps, though, it gives a feeling of knowing - stable, undemanding, predictable? Regardless, this word typically invokes a position on opposite ends of this continuum. And... to add a bit of spice, regardless of your preference, are things ever the way they seem?

  What should happen is that the status quo should be a foundation and springboard; the basis for growth, not escape, not entrenchment. Many times it only polarizes people and positions. However, our first step should always be to make certain that things actually are what they seem and that we know what this means. We are a creation that tends to run off on the basis of assumption rather than confirming 'reality', so this truly is critical... especially if wrong. 
Presupposing you know or take the time to discover 'the way things are'... what would it cost to you to change things? And what does it cost you to maintain your current situation? Have you taken the time to consider this? Or are you into 'don't rock the boat' and 'if I don't know then I can't be held accountable'? Then again, whenever has that reasoning worked? 

  I'm not dissing the way things are. I'm suggesting that this be re-examined in terms of its validity in your life. These should be times of regrouping, of refreshing, of reassessing one's values, resources, goals, etc. and utilizing this as a basis to grow. Humans weren't created to become stagnant or to accept that there's only one way. Where would we be without the Edison's, Marconi's, Ford's, Wright's? What about the explorers and thinkers, the Galileo's, Einsteins, and Michelangelo's.  

  I would hope you would challenge yourself to look at the way things are in your life and become that Edison or Galileo or Agatha Christie in your world. You really are more than you think you can be. But you'll never attain that if you hide in the way things are. Simply because it's always been this way doesn't necessarily mean it has to continue. 

Reaping

  I think everyone, Christian and non, is aware of the concept that tells us we will reap what we sow, whether they are familiar with scripture (Galatians 6:7) or not. So, what are you reaping? Is your current state what you want? And if it isn't, will you have the strength of character to do something about changing your state? If you look at your words and actions, what are they producing, what's the fruit? The problem is that we don't tend to consider our own behavior as the foundation to what we are experiencing.

  There are some who also believe that you receive what you believe. Do you? Rick Renner has written: "What you experience in life is all wrapped up in your believing. That's why I say that wrong believing is a trap." Interesting perspective. Do you understand what he is saying? Do you believe he is accurate? Perhaps I should ask - are you receiving what you are believing? Asking what you believe is critical at this point. Do you tend to believe and act on the (wrong) idea that Murphy's Law applies to you - that if something 'bad' is going to happen, if so, then you'll undoubtedly experience it.  

  Expanding this thought, quoting Jesse Duplantis: "Without faith, nothing that your soul needs or desires can exist for you... nothing." (Soul: mind, will, emotions) Does this describe where you are - with nothing? If so then look to your faith. What are you believing for? You really can't dismiss, out of hand, the effect and influence stemming from the 'philosophy' that reaping results from your sowing. If you have nothing, then look at what you are, or are not, doing and believing. If that sounds harsh, it doesn't mean it's 'wrong'. 

  I'm not telling you what to do, I may strongly recommend a course of action, but ultimately it is your life and up to you what you do and how you do you. I strongly believe in a particular approach, but it still is your decision because it is your life. I care enough to call out to you to consider. Consider turning your life over to Jesus so that you can reap abundant life. Accepting His Lordship does take strength, does take courage but it truly is the only way. Remember what is spoken of in the Bible (Philippians 2:10-11), that at His name, every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord. You will do this eventually but why not consider Him who has provided everything you need for a fulfilling life ... now. What you sow, you will reap.

Wounded

  Are you wounded? Do you feel a pain that goes so deep that it seems to be beyond even touching it, almost like it is impossible to reach the bottom? Do you hold that pain close to you, hoping you aren't jarred? I remember when I first became a Christian (different from a christian) that I heard from others that Christians were the only ones that shot their wounded. Sadly, I discovered that in all too many cases this was true. 

  But why? Why do we do that to our brothers and sisters? Even in the world, when someone is injured or wounded in some way, many people attempt to help the individual get to a doctor in order to receive the needed help. So, why don't we act this way toward others, especially fellow believers? Whenever the need for correction and regardless of the individual receiving the correction - anger, belittling, humiliating, and not restoring the erring brother to fellowship is never the proper action. 

  I know we are to love the brethren - Jesus' words are that His disciples would be known by their love (John 13:35). And when/if they are in error we are to correct one another (2 Timothy 2:23-26, Galatians 6:1, Colossians 3:13, and Ephesians 4:2 - among others). For me, this is a conundrum that I have yet to understand. I realize speaking the truth in love may feel like adding salt to the wound, but abetting a lie only creates further pain. And yes, timing of correction is important but letting time be the excuse is not the proper action either.

  If we are the wounded then our feelings become heightened during these times. The reaction of brothers and sisters can make us feel rejected or worse, betrayed. While it never is helpful, we also tend to wallow a bit in our plight. I'm not certain that the intent is to gain further commiseration, I think it's partly a method to understand what is happening and why. Why did we get wounded!?! And what is the source? The hope is in the form of another reality - we are all wounded healers.

Your world... it's always personal

  Who lives in your world? Obviously family, friends, co-workers (if you work), neighbors? Church family? Who else? I suspect there are far more residents in your world than you realize. What about what you do in your world - who are you and what do you do? Are you 'known'? Or are you relatively unknown, even to your neighbors? Is this what you want?

  Different question - do you enjoy your world? Is it a place where you can grow and experiment? Or is it a place of high structure with little opportunity for personal expression? Do you feel you are 'contributing' to your world? All these issues impact on the world you live in and they also refine who you are. When you combine people and context, you have a greater understanding of your world.

  While your world helps to define you, you also make 'your mark' on your world. Who you are... it's personal. What you do, how you go about being you, how you interact - that's you, and it's always personal. But on a deeper level, it is your beliefs, your attitudes, your character that define and describe who you are and why - and that's very personal. So your answer to the most defining question you will ever face is incredibly personal - the question: who is Jesus in your life? A savior? A 'good' person that should be an example? Or do you see Him as someone who has no relevance to your life? Who is He?

  It is always life changing when you meet Him, regardless of your response. But when you consider who He is, what He did, why He did it. what He continues to do - how do YOU respond? Jesus is not someone you can ignore. People try, but His actions and His teachings are always front and center. It is always your decision as to how you respond and then what you 'do' with your response, but you will make a decision either to follow Him or to deny Him. And you are always responsible for your decision... which is always personal.