I remember seating across the table a few months back, as we were having brunch. As much as it felt so good having a real conversation about what matters while enjoying our exquisitely delicious meal, it’s also embarrassing how I was taught a lesson that contradicted the purpose of the meeting. Feeling too confident about myself, I made a specific remark that everyone is looking out to live a comfortable life and I assumed that she wouldn’t want anything less, but her response caught me off guard: “I don’t wanna be comfortable, I’ve been comfortable my whole life.”

Unlike her, being inherently comfortable is my default mode. I’ve always chosen the easy way out, unintentionally avoiding the plan being laid out for my life, unaware that I was only delaying the unavoidable, because of course I was still pursuing a relationship with God but I was also trying to get things done my way. Let’s be real, If I have everything I need here on earth, there would not be a need to seek anything or anyone. I would be a self-sufficient person, overly dependent on my own resources (and probably a selfish one too). I would be chasing a self-centered life where everything revolves around me. I’d make peace with myself only when I’m certain that I reach the climax (if ever) of whatever it is I desire. Unless at some point in my quest, I realize that I need to trow away everything I’ve learned over the course of my life just to build myself back up from the source itself; unless I come to accept that his sufficient grace is all I need and that reliance on him is the key to true freedom.

It doesn’t serve a friendship any good if there isn’t any mutual interests or benefits to each involved party. We are called to cross the boundary of our fear and act upon the words we speak, to lift up each other when unfortunate situations present themselves. We need to be held accountable so that others see the genuineness in what we do when it’s uncomfortable, not just when it’s easy to do. We are the New Living Translation, the reflection of the words of God to those who don’t spend time in the words. An even greater emphasis is put on our actions because unfortunately we are and should be judged to a much higher standard. By grace, we were acquitted on all counts therefore we ought to use our gifts to boldly proclaim (again by actions) the truth if it has indeed set us free.

The process of letting go a too-cozy and comfortable life can be difficult and discouraging at first, it may require us to take a hard look at ourselves and evaluate whether or not it’s steering us in the right direction. We must not remain unmoved and accustomed to a lifestyle that makes us believe we are where we need to be. We need to serve others and put their needs before our own. No matter our current situation, we need to give ourselves to the cause and be willing to take risks for the kingdom. For if we don’t, then we do not recognize the seriousness of our state of complacency, our vulnerability to temptation, until we’ve gone astray. Our tendency to slip off and get overconfident when things are momentarily going well has become the norm. But we are doomed to fail the moment we think that we are prospering. A true test of acknowledging that we fall short is to humble ourselves by stepping out of our comfort zone. Let today be the day we stop claiming that we are in words what we’re not in actions.

Acts 9:13 “But Lord,” exclaimed Ananias, “I’ve heard many people talk about the terrible things this man (Saul) has done…”