You see, it's my desire to grow into a deeper relationship with God. As I listen to the podcast, I realize growth has always come when I am out of my comfort zone. When I take up a challenge to change my mind.
What do you think about the statement Jason makes, that we are addicted to comfort!!! I ask myself the question, what do I turn to when I am stressed? I did not like my answers I can assure you.
We all have our addictions, chocolate, soda, cigarettes, shopping, pills, strong drink, mindless hours watching TV, etc. I usually turn to food now that I don't smoke when I am stressed. I love to chew gum but it's so bad for my teeth and causes sore in my mouth, but it makes me feel comforted. Crazy. I trade comfort over health.
I smoked when I got saved and it bothered me, but I was addicted to the idea smoking relaxed me. Forget lung cancer, the smell, the cost, it relaxed me. I did quit right before a Christmas that would be a family gathering in which most smoked. I can remember thinking I will never get through those few days without failing not to smoke. I did, thanks to a change of mindset. The thought that I was putting something so harmful in my body which also housed the Holy Spirit was the change of mind attitude that brought victory over smoking.
The deeper I go into the mind of Christ the more I want to shed comfortable habits that are harmful. Now at 77, semi-retired, my mindset sometimes says I deserve to be comfortable. With no children at home, I can sleep as late as I want, eat whatever I want, go whenever I want...get my drift. Comfortable is all about me, me, me. I believe sugar is addictive but cookies throughout my days with a cup of tea surfing on my phone is sure a comfortable feeling.
There is nobody that ever walked this earth who shed being comfortable for the sake of others like Jesus. He left heaven, not a shabby place, no sin, no death, etc. His life on earth lived for us was not an easy life. This was His mindset, Father if it be your will.
We certainly live in an abundance of comfort in this country, Betty. Honestly, now that I'm retired, too, and am not pulled in so many directions, I don't feel as stressed or strung out as I did in past years, and I'm enjoying that feeling immensely. Singing at our new church with Danny, honoring God, brings such a sense of fulfillment and peace.
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Good for you and Danny. After living overseas it was hard to adjust back into the wealth of the USA. I truly understand that phrase, to be poor is to not have any choices. I am thankful like you to have choices.
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