As I prepare for the next varsity track season at the university where I coach at I read an article that got me thinking. It challenged me to look anew at the level of comfort we seek and enjoy in North America. I see this in many of my athletes. They had a summer training plan laid out for them, but I know many will not have done it. I’ll ask them about what they’ve done, and I’ll get sheepish smiles and vague answers. I have done this for a while. I know they have succumbed to taking the comfortable path with no structure in place so will come in out of shape and not ready to train hard let alone compete. If varsity athletes struggle with this how much more prevalent is this in broader society?
The disciple, the follower of Jesus, does not seek the comfortable route. They challenge themselves since we grow through refiner’s fire (Proverbs 17:3, Zecheriah 13:9). Jesus said this: “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” The narrow gate, the narrow path, is the way to grow in the Lord. Jesus also told us to “take up our cross daily”. So, we are challenged to do hard things, to allow God to stretch us and not settle for the comfortable path.
So, what does this look like?
Are we having a ‘comfort crisis’?
Are we having a ‘comfort crisis’? Put another way, can you have too much of a good thing? It’s a question we probably don’t ask enough. Yet there is some danger to the road of life’s comforts. Here’s my point: we are ill-prepared for the comforts and ease of modern life.
That does not mean abandoning all comfort and convenience (we all need days to unwind, and indoor plumbing is a pretty good thing too!), but it does mean recognizing if you’re living on a faulty foundation of too much comfort. Scientists have found that embracing discomfort can help protect us against physical and psychological problems such as obesity, heart disease, cancer, depression, and anxiety — and help you find meaning when you don’t feel like you have a purpose. This really is the path of discipleship and necessity of discipline which is definitely uncomfortable. This is talked about in the bible where Paul encourages us to ‘train yourself to be godly’.
I suspect that those of us who lift weights, do bodybuilding or are involved in serious athletics will understand this concept and the need to work harder. But do we apply the same principles to our lives? I suspect we don’t, or at least get caught up in the conveniences and distractions around us. These lead to us succumbing to comfort. We like motivational sayings, inspiring bible verses, but do we live them day-in-and-day out? Are we on the ‘grind’? Yes, it can be mundane. But again, just like in the gym, the gains come through hard, consistent work and perseverance. So too with our lives and walk with God. Make sense?
Take the test
If you’re unsure if you need a little more forced difficulty in your life, ask yourself these three questions. I got them from the original article I read written by Arnold Schwarzenegger. We all know he is a man who knows all about being uncomfortable to move forward:
Question 1: How Much Time Do You Spend Indoors?
The average person spends 93% of their time inside. But time outdoors is one of the best things you can do for your physical and mental health. It’s not always comfortable out there, but you’ll adapt and grow. So, get outside and go for a walk.
Question 2: What Is Your Average Screen Time Per Day?
Fun fact: Humans used to spend zero hours on their phones. Now, some estimates suggest we spend more than four hours and youth/children even more. It’s not that all screen time is bad, but we often use screens to fix boredom, anxiety, and more. Resisting that urge can lead us into interesting territory. So, turn off your phone.
Question 3: When Was The Last Time You Truly Did Something With a High Likelihood of Failure?
Our ancestors had to take on big challenges to survive all the time, the bible is full of stories of times God called people to do BIG things. Each time they did, they’d learn something about their capabilities and grow. We take on fewer big challenges today, and it limits our potential. So, do hard things that stretch you.
So, what do you think? Do you have a ‘comfort crisis’? What are you going to do about it? God has a purpose and plan for you and its not to sit on a couch. Get uncomfortable, live the adventure.
