Comfort vs Kingdom

The majority of Western secular society is focused on one thing: comfort. That is the prize. We’re conditioned to believe that if we can live our lives in ease and luxury, we’ve made it. But here’s the catch – what we think will make us happy and comfortable often doesn’t. The goalposts keep shifting. It’s the law of diminishing returns. In other words, the more we indulge, the less satisfying it becomes. As a result, our global appetite for comfort grows insatiable, always leaving us hungry for more.

Comfort Isn’t Inherently Wrong

Now, let me be clear – comfort isn’t inherently wrong. There are beautiful things in this world designed for us to enjoy: incredible food, breathtaking travel experiences, wonderful homes, reliable cars, and more. God, as a good Father, blesses us with great gifts.

However, the problem comes when we prioritize the gifts over the Giver.

The Priority of the Kingdom

Jesus doesn’t ask us to seek comfort as our ultimate goal; He calls us to focus on something far greater –His Kingdom. His love for us is immeasurable, so much so that He died for us. Everything we possess is given to us to steward for His glory. And most importantly, we have a mission here on earth that’s bigger than comfort.

It’s about expanding His Kingdom.

What Does Scripture Say?

Here’s what Scripture has to say about that mission:

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
– Ephesians 2:8-10

We are created for good works, not to chase fleeting comfort. And what are these good works? Jesus is explicit:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
– Matthew 28:19-20

Your Mission is Clear

God has equipped us for the mission to make disciples, to spread the message of Jesus, and to help others follow Him. That’s the reason we’re all here. There’s no need to wonder what your purpose is, it’s abundantly clear throughout scripture.

Everything you’re good at, every resource you have, and every business you run is to help fulfill this mission. It brings clarity to life, simplifies decision-making, and allows us to focus on what truly matters.

Radical Transformation in Acts

When Jesus transforms your heart, this desire to live for His Kingdom becomes natural. It’s what happened in the book of Acts when people fully grasped their purpose:

“And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.”
– Acts 2:45

“There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.”
– Acts 4:34-35

The early believers understood the gravity of their mission, and it radically changed their priorities. They weren’t chasing comfort, they were living for the Kingdom.

Live for the Kingdom, Not Comfort

The Lord is calling each of us to live radically for His Kingdom here on earth. Don’t waste another moment chasing fleeting comforts. Devote your life to the most important mission of all, that is bringing people to know Jesus. That’s the priority of all priorities.

Billy Graham once said, “If you show me where your money goes, I’ll show you what is most valuable to you.”

Where do you invest your time, resources, and energy? Is it in comfort, or is it in the Kingdom?

Application questions

You might be asking how to practically align your resources with God’s will. To help guide you, I’ve included some application questions from our 5-day devotional on YouVersion.

1. Take a moment to assess your current spending and saving habits. Are they aligned with advancing God’s Kingdom or primarily focused on personal comfort?

2. Create practical goals that reflect your commitment to serve others and support God’s mission. This might include budgeting for charitable giving, investing in community outreach, or supporting missions.

3. Regularly review your financial decisions and lifestyle choices. Are they contributing to the spread of the Gospel and helping those in need?