The Dangerous Temptation of Comfort: Sacrificial Living for Christ

The Dangerous Temptation of Comfort

As Christians, we are called to be in the world but not of it. However, in our comfort-driven culture, it is easy to be more of the world and less in it. The temptation of comfort is dangerous because it lulls us into a false sense of security. We prioritize our own pleasure and convenience over living sacrificially for the sake of Christ.

Jesus warned his disciples that following him would not be easy. He said in Matthew 16:24, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Denying ourselves means putting aside our own desires and comfort for the sake of Christ. Taking up our cross means being willing to suffer for the sake of the gospel. Following Jesus is not meant to be easy, but it is meant to be worth it.

The Dangers of Comfort

When we prioritize comfort over obedience to Christ, we open ourselves up to a number of spiritual dangers. Here are just a few:

1. Spiritual Stagnation

Comfort can lead to spiritual stagnation. When we are comfortable, we tend to become complacent. We stop growing in our faith and become content with where we are. We may attend church regularly and read our Bibles occasionally, but we are not actively pursuing a deeper relationship with Christ. We become like the church in Laodicea, which Jesus rebuked in Revelation 3:15-16, “I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.”

2. Worldliness

Comfort can also lead to worldliness. When we are comfortable, we are less likely to be aware of the needs of those around us. We become inwardly focused and concerned only with our own well-being. We may become materialistic and pursue worldly possessions rather than heavenly treasures. We become like the rich young ruler in Mark 10:17-22, who was unwilling to give up his wealth to follow Jesus.

3. Lack of Faith

Comfort can also lead to a lack of faith. When we are comfortable, we may not feel the need to rely on God as much. We may trust in our own resources and abilities rather than in God’s provision. We become like the Israelites in the wilderness, who grumbled and complained about their circumstances instead of trusting in God’s plan for them.

Living Sacrificially

Living sacrificially means putting aside our own desires and comfort for the sake of Christ. It means being willing to suffer for the sake of the gospel. It means being willing to go wherever God calls us and do whatever he asks us to do.

Living sacrificially is not easy, but it is what we are called to do as followers of Christ. In Philippians 2:3-4, Paul writes, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

Living sacrificially means putting the needs of others before our own. It means being willing to give up our time, resources, and comfort for the sake of others. It means being willing to love our neighbors as ourselves.

The Example of Christ

The ultimate example of sacrificial living is Jesus Christ. He left the comforts of heaven to come to earth and live among us. He endured persecution, suffering, and ultimately death on the cross for our sake. He gave up everything so that we could have eternal life.

Jesus said in John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” Jesus laid down his life for us out of love. He calls us to love others sacrificially as well.

Conclusion

The temptation of comfort is dangerous because it can lead us away from the sacrificial living that Christ calls us to. When we prioritize our own comfort over obedience to Christ, we open ourselves up to spiritual stagnation, worldliness, and a lack of faith. But when we live sacrificially, putting the needs of others before our own, we become more like Christ.

May we be willing to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Jesus wherever he leads us. May we be willing to love sacrificially and put the needs of others before our own. And may we never forget the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus made for us on the cross.