Are you playing life safe?
Living in middle-C is comfortable. The place resonates security and peace. Such a life blissfully plays through the motions, careful to avoid all sharps and flats that could pierce the tranquil facade.
In my five decades on this planet, I’ve learned that a middle-C existence actually rings hollow. People who “play it safe” regret their choices later. They frequently wonder… what if??
The middle-C life replaces adventure with a lukewarm existence. This may indeed sound enticing but in reality it is unsatisfying. We all yearn for more!
God created us to live life in abundance (John 10:10)! Many of us do indeed live amidst incredible beauty and physical blessings. The temptation to reside safely in these blessings resonates loudly in our souls. However, much brokenness exists. As we open our eyes and hearts, the hurts and needs become apparent. Their silence breaks through our lukewarm life.
We can step out of our middle-C lives and make a difference for God’s Kingdom.
Will it be safe?
Can it get messy? Yes
Could harm come your way? Possibly
Will people think your are odd? Probably
Don’t live through the books, movies, and stories of other people’s voice. Follow the story line that God has for you! We are each unique. Our experiences, gifts, talents, passions, and burdens qualify only you for specific needs in ministering with others.
Check out these intense words from Jesus:
“I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm — neither hot nor cold — I will spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.” (Revelation 3:15-18)
Ouch.
Passionately seek the Lord for His plan and for His resources. Pray. Study scripture. Seek accountability. Then we will truly see and truly move out of the safe and secure middle-C life.
What has the Lord place on your heart:
Reach out to a neighbor?
Reconcile with a family member?
Change your job?
Write a book?
Care for the homeless?
Love an orphan?
Won’t you join me and wander into the sharps and flats…maybe even respond to venture into a minor key??
Posted by Sharon R. Hoover
Photo Credit: Kate.Donaldson via photopin cc
What a great article, Sharon! I have been thinking about these topics a great deal lately especially as they pertain to Christmas! I am venturing out of my comfort zone in so many ways lately and encouraging my family to do so. I have been blessed with so much and others have so little and no faith. With God’s grace and help, I am trying to put these truths into practice. Thanks for the reminder and thought provoking analogy.
Grace and faith do indeed enable us to step out! Thanks for adding to the conversation, Bob. Recognizing God’s hand truly allows us to step with confidence!
As I used to say, “life isn’t a dress rehearsal” and yet in some ways it is because it is only what we do for God that lasts. Now I’d like to say, “Life is a dress rehearsal for eternity! Where are you goiing to spend it?” Thank yo for this great, thought provoking post!
Love your comparison, Ellie! We do indeed have the opportunity to seek to live Kingdom-life here on this planet. It’s tough and messy and certainly not safe! But …wow…so worth it! Thanks for stopping by. :-)