Anchor Point #28 Comfort Zones

Comfort Zones 

Note- this newsletter will be different in comparison to others. It is less analytical and more anecdotal to my experiences but I truly want to share it with others because of how much it has positively impacted my life. 

Many people have written on the concept of comfort zones so this may not be a new or eye opening concept for you but this is actually an area I have struggled with most of my life. 

The common expression is that life begins outside of your comfort zone. This is something you have probably seen on a cheesy instagram post of someone traveling or sky diving but I find it so interesting how routine driven and comfort seeking we can be. 

I am sure there are theories of adaptation of risk taking being related to self preservation or even protecting social status within a bigger group, but today it doesnt have the same risks.

It seems like we want to fall into a predictable groove. We don't like being challenged in our ways of thinking, acting, or feeling. From not trying new foods to not saying yes to a weekend trip with some friends.

So comfort zones will look different. Sometimes it might be going into a social situation but for others it may be just as uncomfortable to sit alone with their thoughts for an extended period of time. It looks like it different for all of us. 

You probably know your groove, rhythm, or routine. You know what you gravitate towards. So the best thing to do is call it out and ask why? Then ask what if. 

Why am I so attached to this habit? What if I am able to confidently break this habit when ever I want? What if I never get out of this comfort zone?

Here are a few common excuses that I have used to often and what I realized one I overcame them.

So often the reality is others don't care about you as much as you think. It's a hard truth but typically people are self interested. You may be fearful of going to a gym for the first time because others may judge you but in reality 99% of gym people listen to music and look at themselves in the mirror. They aren't there to scoff at new members. 

There are always some legitimate reasons but it's easy to make excuses. Just truly analyze if it's a legitimate reason or not. 

This hits close to home becauseI have lived in a state of comfort for a large majority of my life but a few years ago I began to push myself out of my comfort zone. 

I can say with certainty that I have never regretted getting out of my comfort zone. In fact, those moments became the most memorable and transformed my life in ways I could have never expected. 

When we become stagnant in life and get into our grooves I believe we start to feel less. I think we become more apathetic. I think we become focused on getting frustrated at the little things that take us out of that groove then seeking to find things that enhance our short time here on earth.  

This really jumps into my faith here too.

Faith is evident when we act without known circumstances. Like I stated early, I have never regretted acting outside of my comfort zone. This especially applies to my faith. By definition the more we step out of our comfort zones the more faithful we become. 

Faith is choosing to believe. Faith is choosing to act. Faith is doing less of what we would naturally do and choosing to do more of what the Bible tells us we should do. Faith is when I am nervous about an outcome of a job interview or diagnosis and I choose to believe what the God says about me and my circumstances versus choosing how I feel or what I think. The greater the circumstances greater opportunity to be faithful. 

So the Bible does tell us a lot of things we should do because we are saved in Christ. A lot of these require us to get out of our comfort zones or do what we would naturally do. The whole idea is to be more like Jesus and less like us. 

Here are a few areas I have specifically and intentionally been working on to get me out of my comfort zone. 

Discipline- so comfort doesn't just mean social comfort. It also means physical and mental comfort. Pushing myself to read, write and pray, even when I don't feel like it has been one of the most fruitful items in my life. 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18- 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Joshua 1:8- 8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.

Fellowship- Creating opportunities to get together with other believers to support and share real life issues has drastically benefited my family and I.

Hebrews 10:24–25 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Serving other, praying for others and sharing the Gospel- 

This seems to be the biggest fear for Christians. To share controversial, political, and personal stories (like our faith in Jesus) with others. And yes, this is scary, difficult and so far out of most peoples comfort zones but once again can be so fruitful in our lives. 

This requires discernment and faith but you can start small. The first thing to think about when it comes to this is 1 Peter 3:15 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

This verse does not mean to debate others on street corners and college campuses. This just means being prepared to articulate to someone why you have hope in Jesus. If you cant easily answer this it may be an indicator to reflect, inspect, and meditate on your faith. It's a call to prepare, practice, and potentially wrestle with your beliefs and ideology. Are your thoughts and feelings truly rooting in the truth of the Word? 

Try this. Run the hypothetical conversation in your head… if someone were to ask you why you have hope in Jesus, what you you say? 

The other part of this verse also should put us at ease. It says do so with gentleness and kindness. It’s not necessarily asking you to do this is contentious and hostile environments. It says do it in a way of that brings gentleness and kindness. The Bible actual mentions this in a few ways. 

Galatians 6:1 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.

Proverbs 18:19 A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, And contentions are like the bars of a castle.

I don't think the hypothetical screaming match that we fear will happen in our mind is really what the Bible intends for us to do anyways. However, I do think there is a very intentional place in this world for apologetics and those who debate. But it seems to be stating that we can create an environment with others where we can share these things in peacefully with gentleness and kindness.

I want to add this podcast to reference. Wesley Huff is one of the best apologetics I have ever seen. In this podcast he shares the Gospel in a very intelligent, gentle, and kind way. I also enjoy the host’s podcast because of how inquisitive and good his questioning can be.

So when it comes to acting out of your comfort zone in faith there are small places you can take steps in faith. 

What you least likely want to do, or most fearful of doing, when it comes to your faith will likely be the thing that grows your faith the most. 

Once again, this newsletter has been different in comparison to others. It has been less analytical and more anecdotal to my experiences but I truly want to share it with others because of how much it has positively impacted my life. 

I do hope this concept impacts your life as it has mine. 

Seek some discomfort this week,

Cam

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