Have you ever noticed that, while we're in the most technologically advanced age, we also seem to be one of the most miserable societies in history? Anxiety, Depression, suicide, and suicidal thoughts are on the rise, all this in spite of our advances in medicine, entertainment, conveniences, and supposed improvements on the quality of life. We have advantages today that no other generation before had, near limitless information at our fingertips, conveniences and training that no one else had, and yet we are miserable, anxious, depressed, and suicidal.
In America, we've begun to burn our own cities down, and speak about how oppressed we are while sipping 7 dollar cups of coffee on phones and computers that cost thousands of dollars, all the while having the freedom to do so without repercussions. We have as much knowledge as we could want at the push of a button, yet we are no wiser than anyone else. Why do I say all of this?
We have traded in True Comfort for convenience. We would rather be happily miserable, than truly content. This is what success does to us, yes, even within the church. We seek satisfaction in our ways, our traditions, and our goodness, as opposed to seeking it in Jesus Christ. We set up large elaborate houses of worship, but every other day that we're not at church, we seek to blend in with the rest of the world, as opposed to being salt and light (both of which are meant to stand out!). We trade a telling of an interpretation of the Bible, as opposed to personal knowledge with God's word, and all for the sake of convenience.
God sent His Spirit to live inside each believer, and to take full advantage of His presence, we must set aside our desire to be comfortable, and seek the Helper and Comforter whom Jesus sent us in His place, and let God's word speak to us daily. God is the only source of true contentment and comfort. He is our peace, no matter what is going on in the world, or within ourselves, and no convenience can ever take His place. Humble yourself before the Lord, trade in your comforts, and seek God's will in all things. Then enjoy His peace through His presence. Matthew 19:16-30 And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Then Peter said in reply, “See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?” Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.
