63rd Street Christian Congregation

Comfort Zone Religion
Comfort Zone Religion
by
Gary Barrett

��Webster says among his many definitions; "to ease the grief or trouble of."

��Everyone wants to be comfortable. We want a measure of comfort in our home, car, job, and even in our religion. (1Cor.14:31 For ye may all prophesy one by one that all may learn and all may be comforted (encouraged). It is not wrong to expect to be comforted in the assembly of the church or even the Christian community. However when one puts his or her comfort above God's will that will result in a problem.

� � Sometimes we find ourselves unwilling to accept some of God's demands because we are simply comfortable where we are. Some folks don't want to know any more about the Bible than what they already know for fear it will be upsetting as knowledge demands responsibility. When a person learns truth they are expected to obey but that can sometimes be very demanding. At that point we are faced with a decision to obey or disobey. Protect or remain in our comfort zone regardless of what God says. Standing by ones convictions is one thing and protecting ones comfort zone is another. Convictions should be based on God's word whereas protection of ones comfort zone is more for the purpose of protecting ones comfort. Webster says, "to ease the grief or trouble of."

� � Brother George Sharp told me about a brother he was studying with who told him about the church he was attending. The brother said, "I know my church isn't doing right according to the Bible but I've been going there for so long I just can't leave it." Many of us are just like this brother, set in our ways, and desiring to maintain our comfort zone. Folks we should remember, it is just as hard for the other man to change as it is for me to change. Sometimes we make demands on others that we would not allow to be made on us. We demand that others change in light of the scriptures but we won't do it because the cost is to great. This is an example of "comfort Zone religion."

� � Comfort zone protection can lead straight into hypocrisy. In (Gal.2:11,13) But when Peter was come to Antioch I withstood him to the face because he was to be blamed. For before that certain came from James he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. And other Jews dissembled (played the hypocrite) likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation (hypocrisy).

� � Here is one of the Bible's most classic cases of "comfort zone "protection. Many Christians simply don't want to create a problem for themselves. Or as Webster points out, "ease grief or trouble." In (Gal.2:11) The Apostle Peter was eating food with some Gentiles. This was unacceptable with some of his Jewish brethren (maybe he was eating some food Jews considered unclean). The "James" mentioned in the text was very influential. Some brethren came from his company to where Peter was at. Peter knew these brethren were closely associated with James. Peter didn't want a problem or as we might say today, "to look like a liberal or digressive." When these brethren stepped into the room peter quickly separated himself from these Gentiles so as to appear not to be associating with them. He did this not because it pleased GOD but to protect his own comfort zone. He rejected some brethren in order to be accepted or have a good reputation with other brethren. (James 2:1) says, "My brethren have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons (partiality)." Peter showed partiality to protect his comfort zone religion.

� � The Apostle Paul addressed Peter's hypocrisy in (Gal.2:11). It appears demonstrating this sort of partiality is contagious for Barnabas also was guilty of the hypocrisy. Why was Barnabas and some of the brethren carried away with the hypocrisy? Peter had influence over Barnabas and the brethren. Those who came from James had influence over Peter. This sort of hypocrisy can spread throughout an entire brotherhood if left unchecked.

� � Comfort Zone Religion is not in harmony with the demands of the Lord. Under the Limited Commission of (Matt.10:21,22) Jesus warned his disciples, "the brother shall deliver up the brother to death and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my names sake: but he that endureth till the end shall be saved."

� � May God help us to strive to please him rather than ourselves!