I suppose it's only human nature to seek comfort in this life, and I reckon there's nothing inherently wrong with doing so, as long as it is not attained by ignoring more important priorities. However, when our own comfort and contentment is based on our earthly surroundings, we risk making choices that result in ignoring the greater good.

No doubt, our culture encourages us to surround ourselves with every imaginable comfort and convenience. One who will "pull down his barns and build greater" so that later he can "take ease; eat, drink, and be merry," is considered a huge success, regardless of Jesus' warning (see Lk. 12:16-21).

One does not have to be super rich to fall prey to the inordinate desire for comfort in this life. Easy credit has allowed us to enjoy many comforts and conveniences we can't otherwise afford. In order to meet our obligation to pay for these luxuries we may find ourselves having to pass up opportunities to do good for the Lord and others.

The obsession for comfort and convenience is not limited to the "things" we can buy. It can be seen in many other choices we make in life.

If you're fortunate enough to live in an area where there are a number of sound congregations of the Lord within reasonable distance, a decision must be made regarding with which one you will work. How do you base that decision? Too many, I fear, base their decision on where they will "feel most comfortable." Making comfort the criteria causes some to avoid struggling congregations that could really use some help. You may be turned off by any number of factors: i.e., if they don't have a "full-time" preacher; if they are meeting in an out-dated building or a rented facility; if they can't afford expensive Bible class materials (maybe they could with your help); if there aren't enough children the ages of your children; and the list goes on.

Instead of choosing where to worship based on self-gratification, why not make that choice based on where you can do the most good. To adapt a famous quote from President John F. Kennedy's inaugural address, "Ask not what a congregation can do for you; ask what you can do for a congregation."

I'm quite certain that some who read this will claim they choose more established congregations over struggling ones because they are thinking of their children's spiritual welfare. Actually, I believe children who grow up in congregations where they see their parents having to be a vital part of the work do better spiritually than children in congregations where their parents can coast along with the crowd. Then when the children grow up and become Christians they will be prepared to serve, rather than to constantly be served.

Preachers are not exempt from the temptation to seek maximum comfort. However, what preacher has not read the Spirit-inspired admonition to be willing to "endure afflictions" (2 Tim. 4:5) in his work as an evangelist? Of course, we are not to seek afflictions, but neither are we to completely avoid them.

There are some preachers who apparently think it is too much to ask of them to work with congregations without elders. No doubt, working with qualified elders is a blessing, and should be more "comfortable" for the preacher, but if they have truly qualified elders they don't need a preacher as much as congregations without elders. To make that a litmus test in determining where to work might be a bit self-serving.

Then there are preachers who won't consider suffering the indignity of having to beg for support from other congregations, and refuse to go where the local congregation cannot provide adequate support. Older preachers, who because of their experience and influence could easily raise needed support, often leave that task to young men who have great difficulty in doing so.

The inordinate desire for comfort may also explain why preachers flock to places where the climate is pleasant, leaving other brethren out in the cold to fend for themselves.

Most people look forward to a time in life when they can leave the work force and enjoy retirement. A faithful Christian, who is so blessed is afforded a unique opportunity to be of service in a place where the need is great. There are many struggling churches that could benefit greatly from the addition of a mature man and his wife. However, if comfort in this life is the primary goal, the retiree is likely to squander that opportunity.

Paul, the apostle, after many years of faithful service amid much discomfort did not consider himself "to have apprehended," (Phil. 3:13-14). Even in his declaration that he had "fought the good fight" and "finished the race" (2 Tim. 4:7) you get the impression from later remarks that he still had work to do for the Lord.

I'm not suggesting that we purposely seek to bring discomfort into our lives. However, I am suggesting that in considering our options we make our own personal "comfort" a lower priority than the good we can accomplish. Our "comfort" is being prepared by our Lord (Jn. 14:1-4).

- Think On These Things, April-June 2011