Comfortable Christianity (For Discussion)

"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you." ( I Peter 4:12)

Notice that this does not say "if" fiery trials come your way, but "when." These words come from Peter who had three times denied Jesus, but then be restored in John 21 only to be told he would die a violent death for serving Christ. Jesus told us not to be surprised when persecution comes or way.

But we don't like that. We want a little dose of God and faith. We want enough of God to have a sense of security that we are going to go to heaven, but not enough faith that will bring on the fiery trials. We like our comfort. We complain if it is too hot or cold in our cushioned pews on Sunday. We worry if the worship service goes a little too long or if the preacher asks for too much money.

Maybe most of us aren't convinced of the "prosperity gospel". While some have fallen victim to that plight, most of us are more grounded in scripture. But we are far more concerned about our comfort level. We even preach that to be in the center of God's will is safe. But is it? Wasn't Daniel in the will of God when he got tossed into the lion's den? Weren't Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego in the Lord's will when they got grilled in the oven? And what about Stephen, was he safe in the will of God, or did he not die?

I believe it was Rick Warren who reminded us that God is far more interested in our character than in our comfort. Which one are you seeking? To be comfortable, or to be yielded to God's will and His purpose to transform your character? Are we teaching God's Word, or are we proclaiming a Comfort Zone message?