Hot Topics: Christianity's Comfort Zone

I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.

Revelation 3:15-17 (ESV)

As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

James 2:26 (NIV)

He told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.”

Mark 16:15 (NLT)

The world is mostly uncomfortable.

  • With poverty, perjury, injury, jeopardy, jealousy, and blaspheme…

  • Plus robbery, trickery, betrayal, denial, diseases, and misfortune.

  • Add injustice, annoyance, temptation, depression, destruction, and discontent, 

  • To disorder, suffering, complaining, violence, selfishness, and nakedness…

  • For foolishness, wickedness, pollution, contagion, corruption, and CRAZINESS!

Yet...

Discomfort brings an opportunity to assist uncomfortable people! To notice victims and offer a hand; to extend a kind ear and share Good News.

But...

If Christians stay in cozy comfort zones,

  • if they skip what they see as danger zones,

  • If they park in pews or hang with homies,

  • If they shun what they mislabel as “risk”… *

They're also shunning the Great Commission (which is a remarkably greater risk)!

NOTE #1: The real danger is when we play it safe, live lukewarm lives, and don’t search for lost sheep.

NOTE #2: The Holy Spirit is our protection, and He travels with us into the world, as we follow the callings He gave us!

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

When Christians say your calling is “risky” and that “Entertainment” is too worldly, gently speak Mark 16:15 to them.

The world (not the church) is our mission field.

Hot Topics: Christianity’s Comfort Zone (Part 13)

* The far greater risk is ignoring the Great Commission Jesus gave us. Clearly, God hates complacency.

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re all called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re all called to be models of Jesus. We all have gifts, talents, and a commission to multiply them in the world for His glory.

P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend DAILY BIBLE READING.

WARNING: Don’t focus on your favorite verses, because taken out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!

Carey Arban