Culture & Attitude
19.11.08
Stay In Your Comfort Zone
Chezz - 14 August 2008
I hear a lot of talk about stepping out of your comfort zone and doing something different. I think I’ve even preached this message a few times over the years. I’m questioning whether that’s sound advice.
I was reading about King David – the account of his night with Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 11.
Here we read that David was tempted and slept with another man’s wife. He ended up in bed instead of in the battle. Had he been where he belonged, with his troops, there would never have been the Bathsheba episode. Our largest challenges don’t usually come when we’re in our comfort zones – they come when we’re out of our league, where we shouldn’t be. David belonged in the battle; instead, he was in the bedroom.
What’s going on here? David was out of his comfort zone, vulnerable and weak. David was a king of war, he was an awesome warrior and his exploits are recorded numerous times in the Bible. He excelled when he was in his comfort zone. He chose to remain home that season, whilst his soldiers were in their comfort zone on the battlefield, doing what they do best. I’m not excusing what David did that night, but I am saying that he was out of his boundaries and vulnerable. We are most vulnerable when we are out of our comfort zone.
On another occasion David offered to build God a house to dwell in, only to be told by God that he wasn’t the man to do it, that it would be his son Solomon. David was a king of war – Solomon a king of peace. Why the rebuff from God? God wanted to keep David where he flourished – in his comfort zone!
So – what is my comfort zone? Is it possible to develop and stretch within my comfort zone? I think so. Why when we talk about growing and developing, do we assume that this means a change of gifting or sphere of influence? Can’t I excel in my comfort zone? Don’t I best serve the kingdom in my comfort zone? How many pastors are struggling because they are really business leaders – out of their comfort zone? Many questions….
Residing in your comfort zone is an awesome place to be. Here’s why…
You Become Confident.
The theory that confidence comes from trying new things and breaking new ground is only true when you’re breaking ground in your comfort zone. Whoever overcame their fear of heights by spending days sitting on the edge of a high building? My guess is that it would only make you more terrified. Facing your fears is one thing, but growing in confidence is something completely different.
I’m confident around teenagers because I served in youth ministry for 10 years. I’m in my comfort zone when teenagers are around and instinctively know what to do and say. Throwing someone who has never been around teenagers, in a room with them for a few weeks isn’t going to necessarily fill them with confidence – they could leave even more afraid than when they went in!
Confidence comes from being in a familiar place. Confidence is present when you’re in your comfort zone.
You Become A Specialists.
Where have all the specialists gone?
Wayne Rooney, is an English International football player. He is a striker and one of the best in the world. He will always be a striker – no-one has ever told him that he’s so good at being a striker that he should now try being a defender. It would be stupidity. His manager wants him to excel at being a striker, to stretch and become even better at what he’s already a specialist at -scoring goals!
What if we had a diverse church team of specialists? What if we were all released or empowered to focus on what we’re good at and make that our contribution to the Kingdom?
You Become A Team Player.
There are 3 categories of gifts mentioned in the Bible. These are not necessarily the only gifts, but they do cover most of them.
MOTIVATIONAL GIFTS – ROMANS 12:3-9 [THERE ARE 7]
MANIFESTATION GIFTS – 1 CORINTHIANS 12:7-11 [THERE ARE 9]
MINISTRY GIFTS – EPHESIANS 4:11 [THERE ARE 5]
All these gifts compliment each other and together make a set. The Bible is full of emphasis’ on individual giftings functioning as a team.
I would agree that we are all called to evangelism, however, some are in their zone when evangelising and others are uncomfortable. This isn’t wrong. Forcing everyone to start conversations with people and telling them about Jesus is not the most effective way in my opinion.
I like this analogy based on the motivational gifts in Romans 12.
If seven Christians representing each of the motivational gifts visited a sick person in the hospital, here is what each one might say, based on the perspective of their gift.
Prophet: “What is God trying to say to you through this illness? Is there some sin you haven’t confessed?”
Server: “Well, I have brought your mail, fed your dog, watered your plants and washed your dishes.”
Teacher: “I’ve done some research on your illness and I believe I can explain what’s happening.”
Exhorter: “Make the most of your time here and make sure you have a good rest. In no time you will be better.”
Giver: “Would you like some chocolate cake? I know it is your favourite.”
Leader: “Don’t worry about a thing. I’ve assigned your job to four others in the church.”
Carer: “I was so upset when I learnt that you were sick. How do you feel now?
When you are empowered to be who you really are and contribute in a way you are able to, then the team works like a dream.
We Become Builders.
Longevity is rare. It is also instrumental to success. When we stay in our comfort zone, we add value in terms of experience and understanding of that particular zone. In church it is easy to see ministry as a career path rather than a calling. Don’t fall for it. Why stoop to be a preacher if you’re called to park the cars!
Become a builder. Build on and from within your comfort zone.
We Become Winners.
It’s said that there is something about winning that is just the best feeling in the world. Whether it’s the egg and spoon race, the football game or even monopoly, the feeling is unique and one everyone should experience. When we stay in our comfort zone we increase the opportunity of winning. When I was at school my comfort zone was the 400 metre sprint. I was okay at the 100 metres and the longer events but excelled and won many times when I ran the race I was most comfortable in.
I think winning is underrated. Why is it that people are so down on being the best, rising above, taking the prize? Is it a cultural thing? Is it an insecurity issue?
Choose to be a winner. Choose to stay in your comfort zone.
Conclusion
I think you get what I’m saying right? Don’t let people push you out of your zone and do something you’re not great at. Resist the pressure to become average at many things instead of great at one. Stop volunteering for races you’re not built for. Stay in your COMFORT ZONE. I am staying in mine.
Chezz is the Executive Pastor of Xcel Church. He and his wife, Louise, have four children Olivia, Max, Zak and Jackson.