The Dangers of Comfort

 One thing that has been on my heart and in my mind a lot lately is just how much we have that we think we need but really don't. 

Living in America, consumerism is rampant. There are advertisements everywhere. We are constantly being pushed to buy this or that, or that this will make life so much easier. There are even commercials for pharmaceuticals. We have to have the latest iPhone or newest clothes. It doesn't end there though. We have a nice car, and I do enjoy the features - but cars have changed so much from just a mode of transportation to a statement. The remote started, heated seats, lane assist, adaptive cruise control, and everything are just not necessary.

My family and I have been listening to the "Little House" series by Laura Ingalls Wilder, and it just strikes me that they had a covered wagon that they traveled in, but for the most part - they would walk everywhere. They had no running water, they either had to fetch from a spring or a well. There was no electricity. However, they got by. They survived and if the stories tell truth they enjoyed it. In one of those books Pa buys wood on loan to build a house with the goal to pay it back that year. Grasshoppers ate his crop and he couldn't make enough money to pay it off - and that was a big deal. Yet, somehow 30 year loans are just the norm now. 30 YEARS!! That is insane! I wonder to myself how that even became accepted.

Anyway, I live in a world where I can just turn on a tap and have water. I have a pantry full and refridgerator that is kept stocked with food. If I am hungry I can just grab a snack. If I am thirsty I can just grab a drink. If I have a headache I can just pop an advil. If I need to go to the store or town, I can hop in my car and get there quickly. If I want to visit my parents I can ride over there with ease too. I can go to the chiropractor or doctor if something feels off. My house is air conditioned - so it stays cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

These things are all "comforts". They allow me to live comfortably. In my little bubble. And here is the thing - when I am comfortable I am not fully dependent on God. I fall into thinking "I've got this". I stop depending on God because I have all of these other things I depend on. In fact, I am often in more prayer and closer to God when I have a great need. When there is a great expense where I'm not sure where the money is going to come from or when I facing issues with my children then I pray, pray, pray and lean on God for help.

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