Luke 9:23, "Jesus said to all of them, ‘Those who want to come with me must say no to the things they want, pick up their crosses every day, and follow me.'" 1 Corinthians 9:19, "Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible."

Think

We outwardly smile, yet inwardly grimace because our shoes look much better than they feel. We wait for hours in the cold to get the latest iPhone. We deal with large crowds, overpriced parking, and uncomfortable seating to cheer on our favorite team. Isn't it funny how we endure discomfort when we feel the end justifies the means? So, why does our willingness for discomfort wane when it comes to God? Because God never asks us to do anything He hasn't done. In Luke 9:23, Jesus predicts His impending death on the cross and informs His disciples that they, too, must carry their crosses daily. Jesus isn't asking us to literally carry a cross. He's asking us to willingly step out of our comfort zones as we fulfill His purpose and share what He's done in our lives. So, our comfort comes from Christ as we become uncomfortable for Christ. Paul got this. He understood the freedom and comfort found in Christ and, therefore, he joyfully endured numerous hardships as he found creative and compelling ways to share the message of Christ. Are you willing to be comfortably uncomfortable? Eternities are hanging in the balance. So, let's follow Paul's example. Let's approach each day with the same tolerance for discomfort that we have for other things in our lives. After all, the end truly justifies the means!

Act

Get out of your "comfort zone" and find a way to serve someone this week with whom you wouldn't regularly interact. You could call a senior citizen to see if they need anything from the store. Or, reach out to a neighbor and invite them to join you online for church. Be creative! Let your interaction be uniquely you!

Pray

Lord, You left the comfort of heaven and willingly came to earth to experience humanity firsthand and suffer on the cross for my sake. I'm grateful for Your sacrifice. Help me be obedient in my walk with You and share the hope of salvation with others no matter the cost or discomfort. In Jesus' name, Amen.