The comfort zone is a dangerous place to be. Too many people are afraid to step out of it which keeps them from ever reaching their true potential.
If a ship stayed tied up in the harbor it would never experience the beauty of the open seas.
Yes, there is a chance of stormy seas as well but the ship cannot experience the beauty without risking being in some uncomfortable waters as well.
The same is true of you. As much as you may like your comfort zone your true and full potential will never be realized unless you leave it.
You are meant for more. More growth, more learning and more awe inspiring moments.
If you leave your comfort zone you will experience more and you will also be better for those that you lead and serve.
Head out into your adventure. Beauty awaits.
I’m cheering for you.
Questions to Ponder and Pursue
1. How does staying within the comfort zone limit individuals from realizing their true potential, according to the analogy of a ship in the harbor?
2. In what ways does leaving the comfort zone lead to personal growth and benefit both individuals and those they lead or serve, as suggested in the writing?
Matthew 4:19-20 ESV
[19] And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
[20] Immediately they left their nets and followed him.
Luke 5:27-28 ESV
[27] After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth. And he said to him, “Follow me.”
[28] And leaving everything, he rose and followed him.
One of the biggest quests of the last few years is seeing how many followers you can get on social media.
Unfortunately, too many people are basing their self-worth on the number and engagement they get from those followers.
I heard of one young man who ate peanut butter on his social media account and has amassed over 100,000 followers.
I’m not against having fun, but I’ve lived over 60 years now and I’ve spent far too many hours wasted following, and even pursuing, the wrong things, or things that don’t really matter.
When Jesus said, “Follow Me”, his to be disciples did it when? They did it immediately.
They didn’t hesitate. When someone tried, or wanted to do it a little later to bury his father, Jesus even told him to let someone else do it.
Scholars debate if this was a literal statement, but the message is clear. God wants, even demands, that we “deny ourself, take up our cross daily, and follow him.” (Luke 9:23).
Let’s end with this thought from the above passage in Luke. Those commands from Jesus are one time, immediate commands.
1. Deny yourself – don’t return to your old self.
2. Take up your cross – lay down your rights.
3. Daily – decide every day to not back away from His call.
4. Follow him – do it once. Do it forever.
Take an honest look at what yourself today. Are you playing it safe in your commitment to following Jesus? Your continuous spiritual growth may depend on your answer.
Be Blessed!
Questions to Ponder and Pursue
1. How has the culture of seeking social media followers impacted individuals’ perceptions of self-worth, and what potential dangers lie in basing one’s value on online popularity?
2. Reflecting on the immediate response of Jesus’ disciples to “Follow Me,” how can the concept of immediate and unwavering commitment apply to our daily lives, especially in the context of self-denial and taking up one’s cross?
Made For This Moment 