Jesus' Shared Wisdom

8: Discomfort

In the past few parts, I've created an overview on some of the actions we can take to fulfill our part in the Great Commission. To review, we can spread the Good News of Jesus Christ with everyone we know, give to those in need of food, clothing, or other items, and spiritually heal those around us. By performing actions such as these, you are fulfilling your role as a true follower of Jesus.

However, by choosing to actively follow and serve Jesus, we sacrifice the comforts and luxuries the world provides for us. We are forced to become uncomfortable and travel down rocky and narrow paths in order to fulfill our part in the Great Commission. Just as Jesus was hated by the world, we must become hated by the world if we wish to follow Him.

"Do not be surprised, my brothers and sisters, if the world hates you."
(1 John 3:13)

Jesus did not live a luxurious life of relaxation when He came to Earth. Jesus worked without fearing what would happen to Him. He was persecuted, ridiculed, and eventually killed by the world around Him. However, the impact He had on the world is undeniable and unsurpassable. People were healed from their incurable illnesses and had tormenting demons cast out of them. Waves upon waves of people desired to follow Him.

Just as Jesus impacted the world, we can do the same we perform good acts in His name. When we turn to Jesus and seek his guidance in our good actions, He is overjoyed and willing to help. Don't be afraid of failure, since Jesus is there to guide you every step of the way. Your road will be undoubtedly difficult, but Jesus is your unfailing guide. With Him as your Lord, what do you have to fear? By trusting him while performing good actions in His name, we cannot fail.

"The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?"
(Psalm 118:6)

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
(Isaiah 41:10)

Real change cannot occur when we are comfortable. When we become too comfortable, we lose our connection with Jesus. We stop relying on Him to help us throughout the day, thinking our actions are good enough. This is a foolish mistake, since we our words and actions become dry and worthless. We must remind ourselves to do the work of Jesus, since it reminds us to put our trust into Jesus instead of ourselves.

Discomfort is crucial to our relationship with Jesus, since it allows us to depend on Him while traveling on the rocky and narrow road. Discomfort allows us to change the lives of those around us in a way that glorifies Jesus.
I know it's uncomfortable to speak to your family about Jesus. I know it's uncomfortable to spend your day volunteering at a food bank or speaking to a stranger about the love and glory of Jesus Christ. But if we don't do these things, we aren't truly following Jesus. We aren't fulfilling the "go" part of being a follower of Jesus.

Don't be afraid to act, since Jesus is always with you. Don't succumb to the false teachings of being a passive, silent follower of Jesus. Go into the world, and follow the commands of Jesus in Matthew 28 in any way you can!

If you learned a lot from this lesson, please share what you learned with those around you. Fulfill your role in the Great Commission! Don't forget that Jesus is always with you!