Being Uncomfortable is Good

On my last trip to Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains I walked into the Missionary Baptist Church for a picture and time of reflection. The only light streaming in was from the windows on three sides. There was a big pulpit up front shaped like an open Bible. The pews were worn smooth... and very hard. In the ceiling was a hole below where the pot-belly stove once stood. There was no air conditioning for the summer heat.

In comparison, we really have it made today. We worship in sanctuaries with electricity, lighting, central air and heat, and most have padded pews or chairs. But I believe there's something to be said for being a little uncomfortable. It keeps our senses in tune with the environment of the room; speaking of course of the preaching, fellow worshipers, and the Holy Spirit's "voice" as He speaks to our hearts.

Being uncomfortable is not a bad thing. In it you might be forced to:

* think differently
* change inwardly
* seek God intimately
* respond intentionally
* stretch yourself physically, emotionally & spiritually

Wiggling around on an uncomfortable, hard, wooden pew might be just what many of us need to get out of our comfortable Christianity and refocus on the Messiah's mission to GO glowingly rather than SIT silently.

Matthew 5:14-16
“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father."