Out of Our Comfort Zone courtesy Google search |
Jesus did many things that to others were out of their
comfort zone.
When he was accused of eating with sinners, he at first gave them a story about the lost sheep. The shepherd placed the 99 safely in the fold, but left his comfort and went seeking that which was lost.
When he was accused of eating with sinners, he at first gave them a story about the lost sheep. The shepherd placed the 99 safely in the fold, but left his comfort and went seeking that which was lost.
The men, did not understand this story as it was too simple. Jesus then told the story of the Prodigal
Son, who requested his share up front of his inheritance. When he had squandered it all, he finally
realized that he was FAR away from his comfort zone. He did not consider his father’s broken
heart.
He was not sorry for his wastefulness, but was sorry about
his final pig pen condition. He realized
his father’s servants had it better than he presently did and he decided to
return home and try to become one of his father’s servants.
His father welcomed him home, and called for a celebration,
which was more for the father’s benefit than for the young man. This feast honoring the younger son caused
discomfort to the older son. He was not
happy because the father had never given him a similar banquet. Would you say he was normal to be this
uncomfortable?
How does the young son now live, knowing he is forgiven by
his father? Does he feel “at home” and
comfortable in his present forgiven state?
How does he view his brother who harbors jealousy? The sad fact is that in the home (and church)
there is often friction. Living in peace
calls for a walk of forgiveness.
How do we react when a sinner comes to the Lord, and decides
to visit our church? Do we rejoice and
welcome him, or do we get pushed out of shape because he is not as mature in
Christ as “we are.”
King Pharaoh reneged on his promise to let the Israelites
go. Once his discomfort was removed he
changed his mind. Actually he had no
intention of releasing God’s people.
Satan has sinners in bondage in his zone. Although there are support groups, rehab
centers, the truth is the Devil does not want to let them go. Only Jesus can set them free.
There will be a lot of people in heaven that you and I never
thought would be there. Jesus is at the
back fence letting them into his kingdom as His Holy Spirit stands guard.
We may be called to leave our comfort zone to welcome new
converts into the fellowship of believers, and assist them to grow in Christ. They will need help to understand all that
God has available for them.
Time to get
comfortable perhaps in a new zone!!
Also Linked up with Michelle’s Hear it on Sunday
6 comments:
Amen! Let's get out of our comfort zones and welcome people into the Family of God!
Good reminders of how we can put heavier burdens on people than even God does. It's all about His grace and the more we realize how much we've been given we can more freely give that grace to others, new believers or whoever. May God help us to realize when we are too comfortable.
Blessings.
Good reminders of how we can put heavier burdens on people than even God does. It's all about His grace and the more we realize how much we've been given we can more freely give that grace to others, new believers or whoever. May God help us to realize when we are too comfortable.
Blessings.
Great reminder, Hazel. None of us are perfect, just forgiven. How easy it is to forget that... I'm guilty of finding it easy in my comfort zone... Christ never stayed in His... You got me thinking, Hazel... I should be used to it by now! Thanks, sister.
Excellent reminder; thank you.
Interesting post and excellent reminders. Thank you for sharing.
Blessings,
Charlotte
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