The only path to growth is through pain. If you notice discomfort in yourself, there is a good chance you are doing something right.
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”
Romans 8:18
Discomfort is the common land of the Christian. It is beneficial because it almost always pays you back with interest in growth and improvement. Discomfort in social situations is common. Discomfort due to the Christian the Name we wear is normal.
Don’t confuse feeling uncomfortable about the faith with being ashamed of the faith, the two are very different. You can be uncomfortable going on door-knocking missions (which is 99% useless, by the way) because you are introverted and do not like approaching strangers. Being uncomfortable but still taking the action is the key to faith. Being ashamed, however, prevents us from taking action. This is the key distinction.
We shouldn’t feel bad about being uncomfortable.
The Radical Liberals want to pretend there are no bad feelings at all associated with faith, but they know nothing. The Radical conservatives think it is irreverent to suggest that the Christian life is painful, even unenjoyable, but they are merely attempting to protect themselves from impending judgement. “Don’t say Christianity involves pain or God will punish you!”,they say.
By enduring the discomfort, over time the things we deal with become less and less painful. It becomes easy to be proud of the Name we wear. Discomfort is a key to growth. Endure discomfort. Be a man.
Mantra
Discomfort is growth.
Application
The Christian life is a non-stop discomfort. (You will notice that we are using the word discomfort” instead of the word “pain”). You won’t hear that in the Church. These people dilute the commands of God so much that it may, in fact, seem easy to them. They want you to think the Christian life is all happy and fulfilling. Maybe for them, but certainly not for most. Don’t lie to yourself about the Christian life being all “fun”, you will only be discouraged and disappointed later.
View the discomfort you feel differently. Awareness is the foundation of so many of these practices. Be aware of the discomfort and embrace it, for it is a building block of the kind of character that can endure any discomfort. This is critical because it means that at some point you will be immune to the discomforts of life.
When you are taking on an action that you don’t want to do, notice the uneasiness within yourself. Notice how uncomfortable you feel and recognize that those moments are keys to growth. Just as a muscle cannot growth without enduring pain, so also your character cannot grow without it.
Conduct Yourselves Like Men.
