The Christian encounters discomfort from time to time in various areas of their lives. What are they to do with this discomfort? As with most things, discomfort can be positive and negative. How we handle that is up to us and our relationship with God. Part of the problem is identification. Do we identify as God's own or do we stand in the world wondering where we are? Whenever we encounter a problem we should immediately ask ourselves what God is in that problem. Is he doing what he said he will do in the Word? Is he using that problem to cause positive or negative discomfort in the Christians life? Both, again, can work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose. There it is again! The focus on God and what He is doing in bringing His will to fruition in and around our lives is prevalent if only we would take the time to see it. When encountering each and every day we can see either the hand of the devil or the hand of God. We can serve either as well. Remember that God never violates our free will.
When in a social or work setting people who foul language or tell dirty jokes are a real turn off for me. The fact that they think they are doing something "funny" isn't funny at all. These Christians are flaunting their lack of relationship with God whenever they do so. James 4:17 tells us that "If we know what is right to do and don't do it, we sin." Sin should take us to a place of discomfort with God and consequently with mankind. The world wants this tension in our lives and has brought mankind to a place where we almost feel the need to sin in order to fit in or to be a part of the crowd. The reality of knowing what we are doing should fuel us to find a place of comfort (with God) instead of remaining in a state of discomfort with those around us. It's better to be offensive to those around us than to be offensive to the God who loves us. The discomfort that our faith generates amongst unbelievers and believers alike isn't our problem. We don't need to be "politically correct" when we are Godly correct. Should something you or I say, think, or do reflect the love of God, it will almost certainly offend someone.
Christian discomfort either convicts you of what you are doing outside the will of God or it convicts others as you are doing what's inside the will of God. Discomfort is important for our growth. If, as a Christian, you aren't in a state of causing discomfort around you, one needs to ask what you ARE doing or NOT doing. Billy Graham lives his life as an example of this. His steadfast faith is known around the world and many have given their lives to Jesus because they were put in that discomfort zone by the Holy Spirit through Billy. Presidents may not like what he has to say to them (as they do with his son), politicians may cringe when he walks onto the floor, expectations may rise or fall amongst people all because Billy has lived his life for God alone. There are many others who have done the same. The 12 disciples, the prophets, those healed by Jesus are only a few categories. Your children should feel the discomfort of their sin if you have parented them in the way of the Lord.
We are in a pivotal time in history where our Christian discomfort (positive and negative) is shaping the way the world sees or doesn't see Jesus. There are countless millions who do not know Jesus. Does your or my discomfort prod them on to see Jesus or does it cause us to withdraw and be ineffective in our witness? Discomfort can be your friend or your enemy. With all other things in life, it's a choice of whether we want to live for Jesus or not. It's always your choice.
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