Sometimes, I think one of the best things we can do in life is to commit to the uncomfortable.

Western Christians tend to worship security, safety and stability. That pursuit can easily become our God. The problem is the gospel seems to share different values, such as faith, risk, trust, and sacrifice. It would seem one of Jesus’ goal is to place His people in moments where we MUST learn to trust Him, and we hate this!

Therefore, if were going to learn how to “lean into the gospel,” were going to need to be intentional. We have to positions ourselves to be in places where we have to trust God, exercise our faith and rely on community. This is complex, counter-intutive and not popular in Western Christianity.

Yet this could be the solution to a better way to live!

So the question then is how, here’s some possibilities:

- Give more: Seriously, give more. Give to your church, charities, and such. But also, give to individuals, people you know that are in need, such as single moms, homeless friends, jobless families, etc! Let you’re giving be connected to the recipient, and their story!

- Serve in unique places: Force yourself to be uncomfortable, what don’t you like, or what scares you and do it.

- Pray bolder prayers: Ask God for things that require faith and action beyond what you could accomplish without God. Make sure your actions define your life in a way that would cause you to be uncomfortable, which then leads to deeper trust.

- Forget about the rules: Who makes these rules anyhow? Who says we have to have a sexy job title to feel good, or own a home, or make sure our kids live a life of comfort and consumerism? I say the fruit of this dream is rotten. It does not work. There’s a better story to be lived. Break the rules of dominant culture…the road is narrow though.

- Travel: Many Christians live an uncomfortable life everyday. Yet, they still have joy, hope, faith and epic community. They may live in material poverty, but they are spiritually rich, and they would love to teach us how to be the same.

- Surround yourself with like-minded people: If you choose to live uncomfortable, there’s a real possibility that your comfortable Christian community will not like the new you. They do not want to come face-to-face with this new way to live. So, you have to surround yourself with people who understand “why” you’re doing what you’re doing!

Whatever you do, comitt to living a life that is uncomfortable. And in the end, you will find life, and learn what it means to rely deeply on God.

PS; The photo above was taken by Scott Wade in Haiti, May 2010. These kids live in an orphanage, sleep outside in a tent, in 100 degree humid weather, everyday! Yet, they still smile and laugh. They have much to teach us.

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