Comfort Zones

     In English we use a phrase, "comfort zone," or out of our comfort zone to indicate things that we really do not want to do. This may be because we don't know how, or it is too much trouble, or we know we should but just don't feel like it. As people get older it seems that their comfort zone get smaller and more rigid. There are fewer things that we want to do. For a citizen of the Kingdom of God this is not an option. If we are genuinely submitted to King Jesus then we can no longer have a comfort zone. No longer do we have the option of saying, "I don't feel like doing that, Jesus."
    Unfortunately many claim that the Holy Spirit is not "unctioning" them to do something. In truth, the person does not feel like it but blames their disobedience on the alleged "leading" of the Holy Spirit. Many "believers" feel uncomfortable with sharing the gospel. When given an opportunity we usually let it go. But we compound our disobedience by claiming that the Spirit did not "lead" me to share.
     If we understand the inspiration of the Word of God, which many don't, then the Holy Spirit is clearly commanding us to minister the gospel. 2 Peter 3:9b  says that God is not willing that any should perish but that all should reach repentance. (ESV) Romans 10:13 says that everyone that calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." But verse 14 asks some important questions. "How then will they all on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?" (ESV)
     What about the command of Jesus to make disciples of all nations? ( Matthew 28:19) The reality is that our natural instinct, our fall back position, is rebellion. This is one of many reasons why God instituted discipleship. We need at least one person in our lives who has the freedom to instruct, discipline and correct us so that the pattern of rebellion can be broken in our lives. As Paul wrote, "Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so we can present everyone mature in Christ." (Colossians 1:28 ESV)