Hard Talk #3: The Idol of Comfort (The Couch vs. The Cross)
- Terry Hunsaker
- Feb 2
- 2 min read
We often pray for "peace," but if we are honest, what we are usually asking for is "comfort." We want a life with fewer obstacles, shorter lines, and zero friction. We’ve turned the absence of struggle into the definition of a "blessed life." But when comfort becomes our primary goal, it becomes an idol that keeps us from our calling.
The Hard Look
The Gospel is many things, but "comfortable" is rarely one of them. The call to follow Christ is a call to take up a cross, not a recliner.
When we make comfort our idol:
We avoid the "Narrow Road": Because the narrow road is rocky and uphill.
We silence our convictions: Because speaking the truth might cause social friction or "awkwardness."
We miss God’s power: Because we never put ourselves in situations where we actually need Him to show up.
If we only follow God when it’s convenient, we aren't following Him—we are hiring Him to be the concierge of our lives. Authentic Christian living requires us to be okay with being uncomfortable for the sake of the Kingdom.
The Path Forward: Breaking the Idol
Audit Your "Safety Zone": When was the last time you did something for God that actually cost you something? (Your time, your reputation, your comfort, or your money). If your faith doesn't cost you anything, you have to wonder what it’s actually worth.
Lean into the Friction: This week, don’t pray for the "easiest" path. Pray for the "right" path. If that path involves a difficult conversation or a sacrifice of your time, step into it knowing that God’s grace is found in the struggle, not just the success.
Practice Discomfort: Intentionally choose the "harder" thing once a day—listen to someone who is difficult to love, give anonymously, or spend your "me time" in prayer. Re-train your heart to value obedience over ease.
"If you find yourself struggling to stay on the narrow path of growth, I dive deeper into these themes in my book, Wholly His. You can find more information on the book page here Resources | Authentic Christian Living
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