Day 2 of 31 Lessons from an Epic Beginner
Have you ever felt comfortable with your life? Everything's just fine, so why start something new, right? Or maybe it's like feeling thirsty while you relax on the couch--you really want that drink, but not enough to get off your butt and get it. (Or is that just me?)
Laziness. Comfort. Complacency. Whatever you call it, it's a common reason many of us choose not to begin. If it ain't broke, why fix it! Am I right?
The solution? If you really want an epic beginning, you've gotta break it. Get sick and tired of being sick and tired. Of course, I'll explain.
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Earlier this year we volunteered with a couple friends and family in the kitchen at our local homeless shelter. As we gathered our coats at the end, my brother asked one of the main cooks some questions about the mission, his job and his story.
He shared about how he had spent years on the streets, mainly by choice. All he cared about was how he'd get his next drink, and no amount of genuine help could pull him out of that. He had to make that choice on his own. But he's clearly out of it now, so my brother asked what changed.
As he answered, a man interjected from the dish room, "You get sick and tired of being sick and tired."
Randy nodded his head and repeated it, "You just get sick and tired of being sick and tired. Tired of being on the streets, alone and cold and not knowing where or when you'll eat again." His face echoed the no-nonsense behind this truth.
Basically you break, or finally recognize your brokenness, then you begin to change.
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Randy's experience tells me that sometimes feeling comfortable isn't a good thing. And, actually, for Christians, in many ways it's rarely a good thing. If you're talking about comfort in the form of Kingdom contentment and peace that passes understanding? Yes, there's plenty of that in epic living.
But a perpetual physical comfort that makes you falsely feel like you don't have a need or requirement in the world? That's not from Christ. It's actually a brilliant way to keep us satisfied with living on our own, and counting this "good as it gets" life as the blessing. It's what keeps us preoccupied with the day-to-day, until we'd rather be doing something--anything--other than living out God's calling in our lives.
Because epic beginnings are a challenge. They're uncomfortable. They require effort. Sometimes, they even take straight-up brokenness so that we realize our need for God.
The real blessing?
It's worth it. Because this hard life isn't the blessing--it's just the beginning of a better life to come. Like a drunk, homeless man that doesn't even realize how bad off he is--that's all we are when we're comfortable living lives for ourselves instead of God. If we only knew the welcoming comfort, luxury, and peace that await us on the other side.
So, if it ain't broke--break it! Get uncomfortable. Don't accept the laziness. Live outside of your limited capability, to welcome God's epic capabilities in your life. Ultimately, it's your choice: Are you going to do something or nothing? That's the epic beginner difference.
We'll talk more "how" later. Just a few more excuses and fears to eliminate first.
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Answer in the comments:
What area do you feel maybe a little "too" comfortable or lazy or complacent? Is there one small way you could change that?
Day 2 of 31 Lessons from an Epic Beginner
