Comfortable Faith

Many think those of us who are strict adherents to the tenets of our faith are so because they bring us comfort. They make our lives easier. In my case, nothing could be further from the truth.

I would love to be self-centered, to only do what I want to do when I want to do it, to mostly keep myself away from people, to use my sense of humor and intellect as weapons, and to be in control all the time.

Keep in mind that when I say “I would love to…“I mean that part of me would love to be or do the things that I’ve described. That is the part of me that does not need to be nourished. That is the part of me that is disordered. But that is the part of me I’ve lived with and through for most of my life, in varying degrees.

Now, because of my faith, which many think I practice because it brings me comfort and makes my life easier, I am called to do the opposite of these things. I am called to live in powerlessness, to put others before myself, to hold my tongue, and to give up materialism and instead embrace people.

So, though there is some comfort found in my faith, there is also great discomfort. A discomfort that I allow and please God one day will embrace because it is what is best for me, for my family, for my community, and for the world. The world may not appreciate my faith. But that doesn’t mean it’s not the best thing I can do for others and myself.

Written 1/24/21 AD

Human-written, AI spell-checked

Image from seniorsmobility.org