The thought came to mind yesterday that God is less concerned about our comfort and more concerned about our fullness. It could be easy to assume if you are full, you are comfortable. But if you have lived life for any amount of time, it is easy to see that comfort is a relative thing that comes and goes. Sure, compared to the impoverished countries around the globe, we do not know discomfort. But, again, it is a relative term.
Some different scriptures come to mind – Give thanks when you face trials of many kinds… …to share in the sufferings of Christ… Anyone who loses his life for me will find it… He who refreshes other will himself be refreshed…
So often we are redirected to the life of fullness rather than the search for comfort. “If you love me and keep my commands as I have loved the Father and kept His commands; then my joy will remain in you and your joy will be full.” Keeping the commands of Christ are not always comfortable. They are however always fulfilling.
The practice of obedience ushers in the fullness of our lives. I imagine the Holy Spirit entering a new life and writing on the walls of a heart, “I will not let you be average.” Average is not full. The transformation of our character is necessary and the life that ensues is full. “I came not that you would have life, but that you you would have life to the fullest.” Nothing there about comfort. Kenny Luck writes, “Discipleship and discomfort are very closely connected.”
Be careful not to sacrifice your fullness for comfort!
Excellent insight!! Comfort is really a selfish desire. Fullness comes from knowing and understanding love. Great Contrast!