And That’s Okay
FROM THE DAWGHOUSE…
What Does It Mean to Become a Great Man, as God Defines Greatness?
Listening to the Forge podcast called The Penitent Thief, the guest speaker concluded his comments with a statement that deeply tantalized me: Being a true Christian is inconvenient and uncomfortable.
Man, did I want to chew on that for a while, because it rang so true.
Indeed, the call to live a life of faith can feel so challenging, even downright inconvenient. At times, it may push us out of our comfort zones, test our patience, and demand
sacrifices we’d rather not make. Yet, Jesus Himself warned us about the cost of discipleship: If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)
This scripture verse doesn’t describe a life of ease. Instead, it’s a call to abandon comfort in favor of something greater – following Jesus.
It’s easy to want a version of Christianity that fits neatly into our lives without disrupting our schedules, routines, or desires. But true discipleship doesn’t work that way. Living according to Christ’s teachings often means swimming against the current of cultural norms and our own natural inclinations. We’re called to:
- Love our enemies (Matthew 5:44)
- Forgive those who hurt us (Matthew 6:14-15)
- Turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39)
Commands that are anything but convenient. They challenge our pride, self-sufficiency, and sense of justice. It’s far easier to nurse a grudge or repay hurt with hurt. But in following Jesus, we are called to take the higher path, even when it feels uncomfortable or inconvenient.
As Christians, we need to remind ourselves that we are on a journey of sanctification – a process of being transformed into the image of Christ. And growth, by nature, is uncomfortable. Much like a plant breaking through the soil or a muscle being strengthened through exercise, spiritual growth requires effort, endurance, and often, pain.
Romans 5:3-4 says, “We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.”
None of our trials and inconveniences are wasted. All are part of God’s refining process, shaping us into people who reflect His character. The discomfort we feel isn’t a sign that we’re on the wrong path – it’s evidence that God is at work in our lives, making us more like His Son.
Christianity is not a call to a life of ease but a call to a life of purpose. Jesus made it clear that following Him would come at a cost: “Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:27)
Taking up our cross daily means surrendering our own desires, priorities, and comforts for the sake of the Kingdom, and this can be downright inconvenient, whether it’s choosing to serve when we’d rather rest, giving when we’d rather save, or speaking truth when we’d rather remain silent. But these sacrifices are what it means to follow Christ.
So why should we gladly endure the discomfort and inconvenience of the Christian life?
Because the reward far outweighs the cost. Paul reminds us in Romans 8:18, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”
Jesus never promised us comfort. He promised us Himself. And that, despite the inconvenience and discomfort, is more than enough.
To The Kingdom
Joe Bouch
