We are creatures of comfort. Often it's difficult for us to move outside of our comfort zone, but for the most part, to do something great in our life we must be willing to move beyond our comfort. We find this in the Bible with Moses moving out of his comfort zone to lead the Hebrew people from Pharaoh’s control and then in the New Testament with Jesus calling his first twelve disciples. Jesus asked those twelve to move from the comforts of their day jobs, families, friends and into a movement that would change the world. As willing as they seemed, I imagine there was worry or anxiety about their future. But being great or pursuing great things often comes with moving out of our comfort zone.
Did you know Jesus actually encourages us to pursue greatness?
Matthew 20:25-27(GW)
25 Jesus called the apostles and said, “You know that the rulers of nations have absolute power over people and their officials have absolute authority over people. 26 But that’s not the way it’s going to be among you. Whoever wants to become great among you will be your servant. 27 Whoever wants to be most important among you
will be your slave.
Did you read that? “Whoever wants to be great…” Yes, me!! I want to be great!! And then Jesus drops the most uncomfortable demand by telling them to serve others. If you watch enough TV or follow many celebrity twitter accounts you may be confused by Jesus’ message of becoming great. Because according to the US media we’re told we need lots of money, a huge house, fancy cars, or a corporate level job to be great. Fortunately, that isn’t God’s standard for greatness.
Serving others can be uncomfortable. But remember it takes a little discomfort to be great or do great things. From conversations I’ve had with Veritas Seekers I can tell you they’ve encountered some uncomfortable moments. Being on the trail for four days with no shower or toilet is uncomfortable. Taking the time to input points or meet for Saturday challenges can be uncomfortable. But the ones who’ve finished the program would tell you it was worth it. VLA is a great organization seeking to mold well-balanced young people and encouraging them to pursue great things.