Status Quo

Maintenance... I've never thought much about what it costs to maintain what I have.  A home, car, appliances, technology, all the stuff that requires some measure of care and upkeep. And then there's my body! And the upkeep IT requires! It's just not something I give much thought to... UNTIL it breaks! Suddenly it's very important that things be in tip-top shape.

We spend a lot of time maintaining the status quo. Another name for it might be "comfort zone." It's good right here in this recliner; why would I venture beyond this nice piece of real estate into the unknown, or worse, something I KNOW is going to be difficult or challenging?

And yet, I believe we are called to always to improving, pressing toward the next milestone, not getting older, but getting better!! 

In ancient times, a profit named Ezekiel confronted the kings of Judah about their ways. I read with interest the words he had for the king of Tyre.

"You had the full measure of perfection and the finishing touch [of completeness], Full of wisdom and perfect in beauty... You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created until unrighteousness and evil were found in you...Your heart was proud and arrogant because of your beauty; you destroyed your wisdom for the sake of your splendor." (Ezekiel 28:12, 15, 17 AMP)

Verse 17 caught my attention.  "You destroyed your wisdom for the sake of your splendor." That spoke to me in this way: The king forfeited better things, destroyed his wisdom, accepted the unrighteousness, to keep what he had.

I am amazed at how "possessive" I can be about where I am. My comfort is of primary concern. Stepping out to do something new, learning something different, embracing change, has never been of particular inclination to me.

And yet, we are called to continually move in the direction of perfection.  "Not that I have already attained it," the Apostle Paul writes, "but I press toward the mark of the high calling of God." (Philippians 3:12-14)

When is the last time you listened to the whisper of change? It might be the simplest of things -- downsizing a closet or giving some time to help someone in need. It might be teaching or leading or learning something new that will take you to the next level. It may be a measure of obedience to your calling or your goal or ambition. 

It will likely require time, effort, mistakes, even failure, before you reach that next pinnacle of faith. It will require risk but also the promise of the possibilities of great reward.

Are we willing to leave the status quo and reach for something more, something better -- even if it costs us time or energy or a temporary time of failing?  I think, yes... because NOT risking those things could be much MORE costly in the long run.  The king of Tyre forfeited what he had, and ultimately scripture says about him, "you have come to a horrible end and will be no more." (Ezekiel 38:19b NIV)

I'd hate to land at the end of my life, with status quo or comfort zone etched in the memories of those left behind. It's worth the risks to find out what else is possible.

The recliner will have to wait.