Friday, March 29th, 2024 Church Directory

Outside the Comfort Zone

Growth often means change, which can be difficult and sometimes painful for those of us who prefer to stay snugly tucked into our comfort zones. Navigating change while demonstrating grace and patience with ourselves can be particulary challenging, especially when we have a natural bend towards predictability and constants. Familiar territory is less challenging, and can provide a sense of security. 

Have you ever been given great, timeless advice? Please humor me as you read this, and take a moment now to pause and reflect on one of those “golden nuggets” of advice passed on to you?

Now the beauty of receiving great advice is sharing it with those in your own sphere of influence, at the opportune time. I have been fortunate over the years in my career and personal life to absorb some great tidbits of advice, some that have served me well to adjust my perspective when navigating the turbulence of change. 

Someone once told me, “growth takes place outside of our comfort zone.” I have seen similarly worded quotes attributed to various authors, although I do not not know the author of this exact quote. But it has helped me when I feel the growing pains of change. That inner pep-talk I have given myself when I feel the pressure has often brought this concept to mind. So I take a deep breath and persevere. 

My grandpa who I lovingly called “Pappaw” was a huge influence in my formative years. I specifically remember, at the age of about eight years old, him telling me, “You can learn just about anything you need to know from a book” and I took his advice to heart. He inspired my enthusiasm toward reading, which was a great match up to my draw towards writing. It is funny how advice can mean something to us at one stage in life and the same words can evolve with us as we grow and mature. I realize now years later that the Bible is a book that can serve as a great roadmap to life. It truly is the living Word of God. There are countless books, but this one is God-breathed. 

Several years ago while working at a local coffee shop, I felt a calling towards something that really matters. Helping people. I have always loved learning, and embrace learning even while resisting change - it’s a strange combination. I am thankful for the teachers who have been a part of my learning journey. 

Everyone who you interact with can teach you something. I have been asked many times about my call to ministry, and it really boils down to a simple concept - to point others to knowing Jesus. This brings the concept of discipleship to mind and learning to become more like Jesus, with God’s help. 

So when I studied recently for a sermon on discipleship, I was drawn to two lessons Jesus taught; the Greatest Commandment and The Great Commission. Starting with the first, which is found in Matthew 22:34-40 (NIV) “The Greatest Commandment.” 

Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” 

I love the simplicity of something so huge, something that we can pursue for a lifetime even. 

Next, we read about “The Great Commission” in Matthew 28:16-20 (NIV). 

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” 

My spirit is encouraged by the promise in the last sentence, that He is with us. What a comfort! What a great honor to know that He is with us ALWAYS. I pray that this message blesses you, and encourages you to pursue Jesus and the study of His teachings.