Don’t Get Too Comfortable

“Lazy people sleep soundly, but idleness leaves them hungry” (Proverbs 19:15, NLT).

Too much comfort is dangerous. Researchers at the University of California at Berkeley performed an experiment that involved introducing an amoeba into a perfectly stress-free environment. Ideal temperature, optimal concentration of moisture, constant food supply-the amoeba had an environment to which it had to make no adjustment whatsoever. So you would guess that was one happy little amoeba. Whatever it is that gives amoebas ulcers and high blood pressure was gone. Yet, oddly enough, it died.

There is something inherent in all living creatures, even amoebas, that demands challenge. For optimal performance, we require change, adaptation, and challenge; in much the same way we require food and air to sustain life. Comfort alone will kill us.

When teachers want students to grow, they don’t give them answers-they give them problems! It is only in the process of accepting and solving problems that our ability to think creatively is enhanced, our persistence is strengthened, and our self-confidence is deepened. If someone gives us the answers, we may get a good score on a test, but we will not have grown. Just as our bodies simply will not grow stronger without being challenged to the point of exertion, so it is with our mind and spirit. Comfort is not an adequate excuse for an unopened gift. Don’t get too comfortable!

Pray with Me:

Father, I’m thankful for the challenges in my life because it is through them that I am made stronger and drawn closer to you. Thank you for being more concerned with my character than with my comfort.  Help me avoid resting on my laurels by living a life that is active in the direction you would have me go. Amen.