If everyone is committed when it’s comfortable, why are some committed even when it is uncomfortable?

Believe it or not, that is the question I often find myself asking. It would be much easier to ask “Why do people lose commitment when it gets uncomfortable?” But the answers to that would sound more like a soap box loaded down with negativity. And that would offer no hope for change!

Instead, I think about the people and organizations I see that hunker down and stick with it even when it is uncomfortable. What about those people or those places keeps going when the going gets tough? The simple answer is one word.

Mission.

Yesterday I wrote about all the ways that Jesus got uncomfortable so that we could have a relationship with him. With that in mind, it motivates me to want to be uncomfortable for him, too! But what was it that kept Jesus going in the midst of all his brutal lack of comfort?

I think it was a simple mission that he was on earth to accomplish. He wasn’t sent here to be comfortable. He was sent here to rescue the world. That’s a pretty big mission to accomplish and pretty much throws comfort out the window! I believe that when we embrace this same mission, our desire for comfort has no choice but to vanish.

If I wake up every day with a desire to live like I have a world changing mission to accomplish, I won’t care if I have to wake up early to see it happen. Giving extra time and money will be uncomfortable, but totally worth it. Stretching myself and doing things I wouldn’t normally do is just part of the plan to accomplish the mission. Inconveniencing myself and my family to give time when most are living for self is something I embrace because I know the payoff will mean the difference between heaven and hell for someone.

When you think about your own commitment to Jesus and his calling for you to be part of a world changing mission, does the thought of getting uncomfortable excite you or cause you dread? If you find yourself thinking selfishly or dreading it, chances are you aren’t living for the mission he gave you, but living for one of your own.

Take some time this week to be honest, and ask God to expose the mission you are living. Then be willing to let him make you uncomfortable…if you dare!

I read this quote last week that couldn’t be more accurate:

“Everyone is committed when things are comfortable.” -Gerald Brooks

When it comes to the local church – which I unapologetically believe is the single most important change agent in the world – I’ve seen this to be true. But I’ve also seen that the cream rises to the top when it gets uncomfortable.

It happens all the time at OneLife. 20 people show up every Sunday before the sun rises to start auditorium setup. That’s uncomfortable. Families with limited resources give sacrificially to make this ministry happen instead of blowing money on things with no eternal impact. That’s uncomfortable. Volunteers who might be more comfortable just attending a service teach kids, park cars, hosts guests, and even more throughout the week. That’s uncomfortable.

But the crazy thing is, everything I mentioned isn’t really all that uncomfortable. Check it out…

Jesus left the comfort of heaven to come to the pain of earth. Uncomfortable.
Jesus worked a hard job as a poor kid. Uncomfortable.
Jesus started a ministry from scratch when people thought he was a worthless human being. Uncomfortable.
Jesus convinced people to follow him, only to see most abandon him. Uncomfortable.
Jesus hung naked on a cross in front of thousands mocking him, ultimately dying from a literal broken heart when it ruptured in his chest. Uncomfortable.

When you think about your commitment to Jesus, is it only there when it’s comfortable? Or are you willing to have an uncomfortable commitment to him?

Think on that and check back in tomorrow for more…

It is easy to read thoughts like in my post yesterday about life not being about “me” but more about God’s glory and honor, and immediately let the pendulum swing too far to God being a self-centered, self-absorbed narcissist in the sky. In fact often times skeptics will attempt to paint God as just that.

And sometimes in my own weakness, I default to that idea, too. But that is simply wrong – and sinful.

God’s desire for you and me is that we find “joy unspeakable” (1 Peter 1:8) and a life greater than we can imagine (John 10:10). But God wants that for us so that we can return praise and honor to him, not just so we can be “happy”. It is a beautiful cycle. As I give praise, glory, and honor to God – in the good times and in the bad – he begins to shower me with joy and abundance in life. Not always in material ways, but always in ways that are far beyond my wildest imagination (Ephesians 3:20). I believe that is why Psalm 8:5 brings it full circle, in saying that God created us (before sin, of course) to be just a little lower than him and the angels and “crowned them with glory and honor.”

Isn’t that amazing? The very thing that God wants us to do for him as we live our lives sacrificially and outward focussed is the very thing he has already done for us! That is, those of us who have died to sin thanks to the power of what Jesus did on the cross.

If you are a Christ follower, claim this promise today. No matter the joy or the pain that your life gives you today, your Father God has crowned you with glory and honor. Give it back to Him, and watch His beautiful cycle continue in your life!

The first line of the best seller Purpose Driven Life is “It’s not about you.” That phrase hit me this morning reading through Psalm 79:9.

Help us, O God of our salvation! Help us for the glory of your name. Save us and forgive our sins for the honor of your name.

This entire chapter is a cry for help and for salvation. But what stood out to me is why the writer of this psalm wants help and salvation. Did you pick up on it? “…for the glory of your name…” “…for the honor of your name…”

It is so easy in times of need to cry out to God for selfish reasons. It is easy to want salvation so that I am protected from punishment. It is natural to want God to help my church or bring salvation in our church for the sake of individuals. But what if those motives aren’t what’s best?

This verse reminds us that ultimately, everything we do is for the honor and glory of God! When he helps us, it brings HIM glory. When he saves, it brings honor to HIS name. When we begin to grasp this concept, life takes on a whole new meaning. My marriage is no longer about my personal happiness, it’s about bringing honor to God. Involvement at church isn’t about my own spiritual fulfillment or even those outside the church, it’s about glorifying the God who saved me and wants to save many more. Crying out to God doesn’t happen only when I’m in a bind, it happens at all times.

But for any of that to happen, I have to realize it’s not about me. And it’s not about you. But are you ok with that? If you’re like me, this probably stirs up some tension and questions. More on that tomorrow…

Two homeless ministries in our city are in need of assistance this weekend. See below to find out how you can help make a difference!

Lost Sheep Ministry
Each Wednesday evening, Lost Sheep Ministry reaches approximately 300-450 people under the Interstate Bridge in downtown Knoxville. They are in desperate need of men’s shoes to give out before winter. Other items needed are men’s pants and socks, and women’s socks, underwear, and bras. All items may be dropped off this Sunday at OneLife in a bin that will be in the lobby.

Angelic Ministry
The Women’s Community at OneLife is helping provide food for 75 homeless adults in downtown Knoxville tomorrow. However, many hands are needed to help serve the food! Meet at Angelic Ministries at 10:30 a.m. if you would like to help serve the meal. Additional fruit, soup, and chili are also still needed. Email mail@onelifeknox.com for more information.

This Sunday continues our series “Practical Atheist” at 9:30 and 11:00 at our new location, the Jubilee Center. See you then!