2023 - Year of Living Dangerously

Comfort can make cowards of us all! Is life really meant to be one of relaxation & leisure?

A life of risk, adventure and challenge is a life worth living. Yet, comfort and subsequent complacency is what many people choose today. It's understandable...we like feeling good and relaxed. Getting out of our comfort zone requires some form of pain. We'd rather not experience pain if we don't have to.

However, pain is where the growth is. Our mental, physical and spiritual muscles need to be challenged in order for progress to occur. It's tough to take that first step...but, it has to be done. We do not know how much time we have left in this body. We cannot pinpoint when we will take our last breath. So, why not now!

First, stretch your mental awareness. Read more than little quips made on social media. Especially, those statements you already agree with. Also, don't get caught up reading those inflammatory statements made by others only to make your response statements based on your emotions at the moment.

Read fiction and non-fiction, both. Perhaps a good novel at night. Pouring yourself into a good story can be good for the soul. For me, CJ Box, Jack Carr, Michael Connelly & Sandra Brown. Additionally, find something insightful in the non-fiction section. Study theology, history and a subject that fascinates you (sports, animals, cars, etc.). John MacArthur, Alistair Begg, David Jeremiah and other pastors have written books that will grow your understanding of God, the church and your faith. Wayne Grudem has written some books on systematic theology that will increase your understanding of Scripture. David McCullough is an excellent author when it comes to American history. So, get busy...step up and out by reading something that will grow your mind and help shape your worldview.

In addition to reading - do some writing. Begin writing down your ideas and dreams. Follow that up with goals and objectives. Perhaps penning down each evening three good things that happened that day and three things that did not go so well...something you can improve on. Writing a journal can be helpful, as well. Maybe you have a story in mind - get started. Outline your story and begin writing a page each day. Reading and writing both will grow you mentally!

Second, grow yourself physically. Start by making sure you are devoting yourself to physical fitness. Being physically fit is required to say yes to adventure. When you are not physically fit - you are more likely to say no to possibilities. Start lifting weights if you are not already. Building muscle is essential. Also, getting some cardio in is good for the heart. Hiking, kayaking, playing with kids or grandkids requires some physical fitness...so, get after it!

Disciplining yourself physically is significant, but not the only way progress. Physically place yourself in areas that are uncomfortable, but helpful. For instance, begin serving at the local mission. Join a team of people that are improving your community (cleaning, building, etc.). Go on a mission trip with your church. Go somewhere others may not be willing to go. Step outside your comfort zone. Start teaching a youth or a children's Sunday School class. Putting yourself out there physically will both challenge and grow you (as well as others).

Third, develop yourself spiritually. Open up the Scriptures and learn what God is saying to humanity and to you. Pray through the Scriptures. Ask God to help you identify the sin in your life. Prayer is communicating with God on a real level. So, be vulnerable with Him. He already knows, anyway! While you are personally meditating on the Bible and owning up to your own responsibilities...God will begin doing a new work in your life!

These spiritual disciplines will help you develop new relationships. As you become more vulnerable with God and He grows you...you will want to be part of a healthy church family. You will want to worship the Lord with your brothers and sisters. You will develop stronger relationships, join Bible study groups, join mission teams, etc. You will also want to give generously because you have discovered just how generous God is!

If you take these steps to develop mentally, physically and spiritually you will become a more "dangerous" person. You will not be a mental or physical pushover. You won't be out of your league in the circles you used feel uncomfortable in. Spiritually, you will be an adventurer...on a journey with God wherever He takes you (He will take you to places and people you never could have imagined on your own).

So, step out in faith. Stop shooting for being comfortable. God created you with purpose. So, live with purpose and passion. You were divinely created in His image. Yes, a ship is safe in the harbor, but that is not what it was intended for. So, set sail. Be bold and courageous! Live dangerously!