What would it take for you to arrive at greener pastures? It requires a stepping out of your comfort zone – a journey of faith. Are you ready?
Amazon Prime served me up a movie today, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
“One Church” tells the story of two brothers, born and raised in a Christian home. Their father is a well-known, dearly loved Pastor. The storyline is all too familiar in church movies. One brother wants very little to do with the church. In this case, though, that brother did not go out into the world and commit countless dishonorable acts. The other brother stays at his father’s church. He spends his days conniving to take the church down a self-serving path, with promises of grandeur along the way.
The essence of the movie speaks to the unhealthy ambitions of ministers.
Men of the cloth who lose their focus, (or waiver in their commitment) can lose their way. As a result, their efforts support the work of the antichrist rather than the cause to which they speak. They render messages that appeal to the crowd without speaking to their souls. Their church rolls out programs that measure attendance rather than impact. Sunday worship is promoted and the value of Bible Study is demoted. Developing paying members becomes more important than nurturing their spirit.
The journey of the seemingly wayward brother is atypical of these types of movies. From the onset, he is in search of something. He leaves the life he knows best behind, in his quest to find it. He knows the truth of the gospel and experiences spiritual growth only when he steps out of his comfort zone.
In this action-packed movie, Jason Frederick, starring as Jake Mason goes to Mexico. He travels with his newfound friend Juan Rivera, starring as Paulo. Almost immediately Jake identifies needs he can help to fill and does just that. On Sundays he delivers messages of hope in the language he is learning on the fly. He finds his purpose because he was willing to step out of his comfort zone on a journey of faith.
The lingo of the age repeatedly tells us that success occurs when we step out of our comfort zone. But the concept is not novel to the present age.
Heroes of faith epitomized “stepping out of your comfort zone”.
For example, Abraham left the land of Ur and moved to a foreign land. His riches are recorded in the Bible. Joseph, albeit at the cruel hands of his brothers, was taken to a foreign land where he ultimately became a leader in Egypt. Esther may have been shaking when she went to visit the king but she went on to become a queen in Persia. Peter was intimidated by the raging storm at sea, however, he followed the command of Jesus and launched out into the deep. As a result he pulled in an abundant supply of fish.
We may approach our situations with trepidation but our actions will bring results.
5 comfort zones to be aware of
1 – A Job
A job that pays your bills but does not bring you any joy or sense of purpose. This is a common sense place of comfort because the alternative is extremely undesirable to most. Stepping out of this comfort zone does not have to be a “feast or famine” scenario. Now more than ever it is possible to have an exit strategy that allows you to transition from unacceptable to more desirable vocations.
2 – A Relationship
A relationship that makes you look good in public but is otherwise empty. Or, a relationship that makes you feel as though you are losing yourself. When the relationship is diminishing your capacity to move forward, its time to let it go. Meaningful, long term relationships across a number levels are important. This often requires a constant review of who we come into contact with and draw into our inner circles. Being intentional about the relationships we build is essential. Removing ourselves from relationships that detract from our purpose may be difficult but is sometimes required.
3 – A Church
A church that you’ve attended for years. If you feel no sense of community and experience no growth, why stay? Like every organization, the church needs to stay relevant. It must attend to the needs of the proverbial flock. The church should empower you to contribute to the process of changing lives. If this is not your reality, then its time to move on to a place where you can serve.
4 – A Social Club
A social club, association or organization that looks good on your resume but add no value to your self-worth. Maslow’s law speaks to “belonging” as one of man’s greatest needs. I think the need to feel “appreciated” runs in tandem with “belonging”. Adding value and being appreciated for that value needs to be what draws and keeps us within organizations. It should not be as a result of any pride we feel being associated with a notable name.
5 – A House
A house that provides shelter but is not a place that feels like home. When you don’t really want to be there, the place with the roof and the door is not “home”. A real home is the place you use to seek refuge from the cares of a chaotic world. You rest; laugh; you are comfortable! It can be a one room shack or a palace. As long as it is where you are at one with yourself and your Maker – its home!
3 strategies to get yourself out of your comfort zone
1 – decide on what you want for the end result and move in that direction. It is the easiest, yet most difficult way to get out of your comfort zone. A great accountability tip is to keep a journal that notes every step you take towards your goal.
2 – surround yourself with people who become part of an eco-system of support that keeps you focused on your goals. Find people who can help you become a better version of yourself.
3 – maintain a positive mindset. See challenges as opportunities. See problems as possibilities. We tend to feel first and think second. Emotions are important; translate what you feel into positive language.
be transformed by the renewing or your mind
Romans 12:2
The journey prepares us for that moment when we achieve the best results. Are you ready? Let’s begin by stepping out of your comfort zone, a journey of faith.