This is Jasper, a border collie/maremma cross. He lived with us for several years until I moved to the city. Now he and his “sister,” Misty, live with dear friends of ours. Jasper is very comfortably snuggled on the loveseat, and his big brown eyes are pleading, “Come on, boss, I just got comfortable. Please don’t make me get off the furniture.”
I think there is a little Jasper in all of us. We get settled into a comfortable pattern of life, and we don’t want things to change. We are content to just slide through life in our little comfort zones.
There are two problems with that. Firstly, life comes with change. Change is inevitable. The rate and amount of change can vary, but change happens whether we want it or not.
Secondly, we don’t grow during those times we stay hunkered down in our comfortable bubbles. Most of our learning and emotional and spiritual growth comes during times of change, often in crisis.
We get comfortable in our church life and spiritual walk, and suddenly something happens. Like Jasper, we look up at God and signal our reluctance.
Fortunately, God cares more about our spiritual growth and holiness than our temporary comfort and happiness. We were created to be conformed to the image of Jesus, and one way or another, God will bring His plans to fruition.
Sometimes the change comes as a simple, gentle nudge. Other times He moves in more drastic and dramatic ways. Whatever it takes, God will prune His people and shape them.
“ I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me, he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:1-11 ESV
Pruning is not painless, but the result is worthwhile.
My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline or be weary of his reproof,
for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights. Proverbs 3:11-12 ESV
When the Lord moves us out of our comfort zones, He does so for a purpose. Let us be thankful that He cares enough to make us move.
Be blessed
Kevin
SUMMARY
Like Jasper curled up on the loveseat, we often resist when God calls us out of our comfort zones. Let us be thankful that He cares more about our growth than our comfort.
TAKEAWAY
Change is inevitable. The rate and amount may vary, but change happens whether we want it or not.
We don’t grow while we stay hunkered down in our comfortable bubbles. Most of our spiritual growth comes during times of change, often in crisis.
God cares more about our holiness than our temporary comfort. He is the vinedresser of John 15, pruning us so we bear more fruit, and we can thank Him for caring enough to make us move.
Be blessed
Kevin