STRETCH YOURSELF

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Amos 6:1 Woe to you who are at ease [complacent and carefree] in Zion, and to you who feel secure on Mount Samaria, you notable men of the foremost nation, to whom the people of Israel come!

The Prophet Amos goes on to list a few other luxuries including beds of ivory, bowls of wine and feasts of assorted meat. It is with interest that we see the Word of God come down hard on those enjoying these luxuries and comforts.

Mind you, God’s preference for us is not the opposite of luxury, He certainly does not desire us to live in mediocrity. In His wisdom, He has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). Wealth, luxury and the comforts that come with it pertain to life, and God would like us to have all our needs met – He is our father.

What the word of God touches on are the attitudes of those whose sole interest is to only seek comfort at all times. Those who refuse to stretch themselves or be stretched to any extent. Paul admonished Timothy thus ‘fight the good fight of faith and take hold of the eternal life you have confessed’ (1 Tim 6:12)

That ‘taking hold of’ was not going to come in a life of comfort nor on a bed of petals. It would require intense stretching and significant discomfort. Beloved, you cannot be at ease, carefree or complacent, in your walk through life – with men and with God. Neither should you become so secure with whatever you have already attained that you stop pressing, pushing and stretching further.

Let him who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall (1 Cor 10:12)

#sly