The “boiling frog syndrome” describes how a frog dropped into a kettle of boiling water will jump out immediately in reaction to the pain. On the other hand, if the frog is placed in water that begins at room temperature but is slowly heated, the frog will remain in the kettle and eventually cook to death. The cozy amphibian is unable to perceive the danger as it adapts to the gradual rise in temperature. The analogy alerts us to our response to a comfortable, slowly changing, but potentially threatening environment.
Our western society is captivated with comfort. The cultural “kettle” in which most of us live promotes and normalizes the call to a cozy life. We pay extra and even boast excitedly about our comfortable homes, cars, shoes, beds, and vacations. Our “creature comforts” have slowly lulled even devoted Christ-followers into being creatures of comfort.
Self-sacrifice and surrender are always distinguishing characteristics of those who choose to live outside the comfort zone. The ultimate example of One who left comfort in order to sacrifice for others is Jesus. Jesus stripped Himself of all privileges and rightful dignity, so as to assume the guise of a servant (slave).”
The comfort zone is the danger zone because it is very difficult to live by this kind of faith while chasing after and cuddling into a life of comfort. With little warning, we might find ourselves immersed in a boiling cauldron that extinguishes a life of authentic faith. As Hebrews 11:6 warns, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”
Here’s a sure promise that some rewards far exceed the temporary creature comforts of this life, if we are courageous enough to seek this supreme certainty.
Let’s keep stepping forward in the calling to an uncomfortable faith. - copied
