I like cozy. I like comfortable. I have to admit…I like my comfort zone. Comfort zone: a place or situation where one feels safe or at ease and without stress. Even the definition sounds nice. At ease, without stress. Isn’t that often our goal? Not only to create a comfort zone but to stay close to it. The busier our lives become and, ahem, the older we become, our comfort zone (whether loosely or clearly defined) becomes even more important. If you are like me, a comfort zone is framed by routine and familiarity keeps in defined.
And while there is certainly nothing wrong with routine or even activities and relationships that allow us to “feel safe and at ease,” our comfort zones can easily become stagnant and can cause us to become complacent, or satisfied with the status quo. This cannot be the goal for a Christian. God’s word is often encouraging each of us – exhorting us – to move forward. To consistently be making spiritual progress.
If we are to abound more and more….to grow spiritually and, ultimately, to become more like our Heavenly father….we have to live intentionally. Making purposeful choices – choosing what is best and denying ourselves whatever might be keeping us too settled in our comfort zone. Being intentional is key to abounding more and more.
Its Five Minute Friday and, yes, the prompt is intentional. As most often is the case, five minutes are up. However, knowing I want my life to be abounding – to be moving forward – in the Lord, and for the Lord, begs the question of how? What intentional choices can I make to help me do just that? I plan to look at that question, and some answers, more in my Tuesday post.
Hi FMF neighbor! I get this feeling so much. In the past couple years, I've been uncomfortably discovering ways I struggle with slothfulness, a desire to stay in my comfort zone… the difference between peacekeeping and peacemaking. Hoping to work on that in the new year. Thank you for this encouragement. 🙂
So glad you stopped by! That line between peacekeeping and peacemaking can be a fine one, for sure! Have a wonderful week –
I agree, we need to be intentional about stepping outside our comfort zones. Otherwise it's far too easy to settle!
I certainly do not want to "settle" in 2018! But, yes, it is so easy…
This so resonated with me – for different reasons! I am an introvert and a homebody when we aren't traveling. I'm comfortable exploring on my own because I'm anonymous; interacting with people where I might need to make an impression? Terrifying.
Pushing outside my comfort zone and taking on new things with intent is something I really am working on this year.
I, too, am an introvert…which is probably one more reason I am so very happy in my comfort zone. Definitely takes some pushing!
I enjoyed your post and the word from scripture to `abound more and more` to please God. Blessings and Shalom –God`s Peace–be with you!! ♡
Thanks so much, Shayndel. So glad you stopped by!
Hello Jennifer. So true. The older we get, we do seem to get more comfortable. but then I think, with age we grown in wisdom, so then I pray, help me as your scripture says, "to walk and please God more and more."
Thanks for your word…
I agree – as we age, we can wisdom. And we are accountable to use that wisdom…and to keep pushing ourselves – so we are abounding!:)
It's easy for me to get stuck in a rut and not want to move forward with intentionality and purpose. At my age, I definitely have to be even more intentional. Thank you for sharing.