Thank you for taking the time to think, pray and consider the hard-hitting topics we’ve been covering the last few weeks. I really appreciate it!
We all know that Jesus said, “‘Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it’” (Matthew 10:39). True spiritual impact comes at a cost, but the reward is eternal.
Yet in light of such strong words from Jesus, do you ever wonder what role comfort plays in your own life as Christ Followers?
Our research is overwhelmingly pointing to the fact that becoming comfortable is one of the greatest threats to the mission of the Gospel. Not because it’s wrong, but because it quietly lulls us into inaction. When we prioritize our own ease—our routines, our familiar circles, our risk-free faith—we unknowingly start to shut out the people who need to hear about Jesus from us.
Could that be true for you? Take this 3-minute Comfort vs. Sacrifice Assessment and find out where you fall on the scale. bttb.org/comfort This anonymous survey will:
For yourself—identify whether comfort is holding you back from mentoring others, or you are willing to sacrifice vs. stay idle.
For our research here at the Center for Spiritual Fitness—discover the biggest barriers keeping strong Christians from discipling.
For the Great Commission—gather insight into how we can all help motivate more Christ Followers to having a more impactful and fulfilling faith.
Shockingly, our research shows that up to 68% (many of us readers of this weekly series) are the most biblically engaged, biblically knowledgeable, spiritually mature believers yet disciple absolutely no one. We know the Great Commission, but aren’t living it for some reason—not because we don’t care, but because it appears that comfort has slowly taken priority over calling (especially for those who are getting older).
Let’s face it, if you are like me, it’s easier to want to just stay home and learn more as opposed to taking a risk and stepping out in faith to invest in someone else. But how do we stop being collectors of spiritual knowledge—and instead become disciple makers?
Many of us fully believe in Jesus’ call to a life of sacrifice. He said, “‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me’” (Luke 9:23). Yet can we see this happening in life?
Here’s one more thought. It seems like our American lifestyles practically shove us into daily and weekly routines built around comfort. Are we being unwittingly lulled into a faith that is more about our own personal growth without realizing we’re missing the call to disciple others?
If you’ve ever felt spiritually restless, like something is missing, I think this survey will help you uncover why.
Take Comfort vs. Sacrifice Assessment Now: bttb.org/comfort
As always, thank you for taking the time. After you take it, I’d love to hear what you discovered—send your comments to me here.
-Arnie
