I knew this to be true before having Leukemia, but now have seen tested and proven true by the experience of trials: God’s Word, the Bible, is practical and applicable for both leadership and victorious living. Numerous accounts throughout scripture show us how to live with passion and purpose and the consequences of turning away from that path. It also teaches that circumstances, even cancer, don’t have to consume and control our lives.
But once in a while I come across a passage that makes me wonder why it is of such importance. Yesterday’s post reminded me of a short account tucked away in 1 Kings 1-2. It tells of how King David, as he became older, was cold most the time and how even blankets could not warm him. So his counsel searched the entire kingdom for a beautiful virgin to lie with him and comfort him, even though they did not have sexual relations. (Marcia quickly pointed out, this is NOT covered under our health insurance plan! Or any OTHER plan! 🙂
As I contemplate my situation, which is completely normal for this stage of my recovery, I realize that maintaining my body temperature occupies much of my day’s activity. I’ve also noticed that once I start to achieve some comfort in getting warm, I don’t notice that I am TOO warm until I hit a sudden flash point of being too hot.
Isn’t that the way with our lives? We start with such ambitions of making a difference in the world. Then gradually we pursue more comfortable lives with more belongings, a better paying job, more habits and hobbies that serve to distract us from our true life pursuit. But we don’t notice it because our choices – and their effects – are so gradual. It is like being in an airplane that is only 1 degree off course…hardly noticeable on a short hop. But flying across the country or the world, you would end up far away from your intended destination.
We hope you will set aside some time this week, maybe today, to revisit your life plan, both for this current life we live on earth and the eternal one yet to come and make sure your current path is well aligned.
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. Hebrews 12:28
In paragraph four, I just feel like you are assuming a lot. While the world may be getting better for some, so many others’ world crumbles around the, hope starts to fade, and many are left to feel well, a lot less than “more comfortable”. I read the news, I see the images of poverty, war, civil disobedience, and true sadness around us and I wonder how anyone could assume that any material item could take away the pain that so many feel everyday in the shadow of all the social injustices, poverty, disease, and so much more that plagues our world. It’s a heavy burden for God to carry. I am just one that prays deeply, and worries, and my life hasn’t been fulfilled by ANY comfort of this world. I am not any warmer by any ride away from reality, but I am warmed knowing that God is here watching, waiting possibly, and helping. I have no idea what His plan is, but I know that when I start to get cold, wander in worry, or feel distant, I can always pause and connect with my Maker and download 🙂 peace for free. No credit card necessary. The thought of a warm beach does sound like something very relaxing though and after the past year in my own life’s crazy twists and turns that nearly claimed my own breath, I don’t know if you feel this way, but it would feel a little paradise-like to gaze upon the majesty of an ocean and feel the ocean breeze and smell the salt of this earth. Taking a break to acknowledge the majesty of what He created, after the non-stop inundation of this world through the medias’ window, doesn’t sound like something that is a “hop” away from God or our mission to love others as he commands, it sounds like the way to center, reflect, and recharge with His greatest gift, this Masterpiece called Earth. Just one woman’s interpretation, and maybe I completely misunderstood, comfort comes in different ways for each of us, so to assume we are moving away from a life plan or mission, when we are comforted, is just not so. I feel like I come closer when I am loved and comforted, and it has nothing to do with materialism.
I think we are the same page, Emily. There is nothing wrong with comfort. In fact we need the comfort that God provides us, sometimes through His Spirit and sometimes through experiences, healing and strength, and even material blessings. It is the PURSUIT of comfort as our life goal that becomes a problem. This constant pursuit to please ourselves while turning a deafening ear to God and to His hurting people create a ‘me’ mentality that contradicts what I read in the bible that characterizes a fully devoted follower of Christ. Enjoy the comfort He provides for you. Celebrate His goodness. ENJOY God forever!