I like it safe--predictable and no surprises. Change is usually not my cup of tea. Just like the movies, I want a happy ending. But, as a believer in Christ, I am called by Christ (See Mark 8) to a life of anything but safe. He has called me to deny myself (my desire to be safe and happy) and take up my cross (my God-given purpose) to to pursue Him with passion.
As a pastor I am also called to help others experience Christ's calling to "die" to self. This is easier said than done. People like comfort, simple, predictable, happy--not a calling to surrender, struggle, trust, faith, and...well, the list goes on and on. What concerns me is that so many professing Christians rather be comfortable than fulfilling their God-given purpose. Sometimes I feel that what is expected of me from Christian people is to make people feel good, to entertain. But, what if I proclaim a message that makes people very uncomfortable, very uneasy?
Next Sunday I am going to preach such a message. I have entitled it "The Comfort Zone"--Living a life for Self. My hearts cry is for people to realize that God has much more for us, if only we allow Him to take control of our lives. But, surrendering is so hard to do.
What do you think?
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