Get uncomfortable.

There are several places that I could list of which I'd rather not visit. Off the top of my head, some of the more noticeable of these would probably be prisons, a sewerage system or the site of an earthquake, for example. A little closer to home, how about a hospital? Your local bar? A nightclub? An old people's home?


In life, there are many experiences that make us uncomfortable, uneasy and even a little bit fearful. Often, we'd rather just avoid these situations. It's in our nature to either 'fight' or 'flee' from situations that present a threat to us in some way. To take it one step further, any experience that requires a little more effort, energy or trust than we'd be happy to give, we all too often tend to throw our hats in and walk away. It's too hard. I can't do it. I don't want to do it. I don't have to do it. I don't have the time or energy to do it. There's too much going on anyway.


As a Christian, (and also because of my Psychology interests) I find myself constantly reflecting on my behaviour; my words, my actions, and whether the two line up. I'm not responsible for anyone else's behaviour, but I do know that if I seek to become more like Jesus in his character, I need to continually think about this stuff. It has become my aim in life to "get uncomfortable" with where I am currently at, and to constantly (though often slowly) move forward into who God would have me be. This means stepping into situations that I may find uncomfortable, to shed a bit of God's light.


I have recently had my eyes opened with regard to the experiences of the broken, isolated and lonely. I have seen the consequences of broken promises, and feel a responsibility to listen and act on the voice of Jesus in these situations. Just by simply taking a minute to stop, I'm sure that we could bring to mind several people we know who would love some company, some new clothes, a meal, a visit, a conversation or a shoulder to cry on. And if you can't think of any people like that in your life, then I urge you, get out of your comfort zone. The gospel is the GOOD news, is it not? Let's get out of our comfort zones and show it.


Do you call yourself a Christian? Great. Then show it. Matt 7:16 - "You will know them by their fruits." It is very simple.


Romans 15:1-2 - "We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbours for their good, to build them up."
Phil 2:3-4 - "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others.
Mark 12:29-31 - "'The most important commandment,' answered Jesus, 'is this:.. Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength and love your neighbour as you love yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.'"


This one hits the nail on the head...
Matt 25:37-40 - "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'"


Wake up! There are other people out there in desperate need of a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, a hand to hold, a Saviour! Let us not become so self-centred that we forget that there are so many ways that we could make better use of our time and energy. I write this blog only to spur you on as well.


Here is one thing I have noted about people living in isolation. Stick to your promises, or don't make them in the first place. We're blinded if we think we can make promises to people, forget about them and then hope that the person we made them to has also forgotten. This is never the case. At least be realistic about the promises that you make. We are representing Christ, and as much as we make mistakes and aren't perfect, we "are the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing." (2 Cor 2:14). We have a responsibility. He has given to us the message of reconciliation. The real, perfect Saviour: Jesus. The world needs the love and mercy of Jesus.


I implore you, find the need and meet it in Jesus name. At this time, I remember the words of Jesus himself, and his task on earth:

Luke 4:18
"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favour."

It is my prayer that this might be my task as well, and that my life would point to Jesus. Not just through my words, but that my actions would speak louder than any promise I ever make to anyone.

Sarah