Comfort Vs Obedience? What My Patterns Reveal About My Faith
“Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock.” ~Mt 7:24
When I read this verse, I think of the many people I’ve spoken with who claim to believe in Jesus, yet are reluctant to change their behavior. Some feel unable to change. Some are comfortable as they are. Some imagine a God who doesn’t require us to be different, unique, set apart, or anything more than “basically good.”
It reminds me of the saying: They can talk the talk, but they don’t walk the walk.
But this isn’t only a “they” problem. It’s a me problem too. I have to regularly check myself because I have a problem with obedience and with allowing God to take control.
Something I try to do during Mass is to be fully present while reciting The Creed or pray the Our Father. I purposely slow down and re-check myself: Do I believe these words enough to let them shape my life choices? And if at some point I realize I’m not living like I believe it, then it’s time to stop, reassess, and identify the gaps. Not to shame myself but to get back on track.
Jesus is uncomfortably clear. He wants his followers to not only listen attentively but to act accordingly. He is setting the standard: build a life with structural integrity.
Here’s one example that’s been hitting me lately: I’ve said more than once that I sense God calling me to finish writing a book I started writing last year. During prayer, I say I want to do His will. But, I haven’t followed through. I get distracted, I get stuck, I get busy, and somehow avoidance starts to look like “life happening.” And I find myself not doing what I claim I want to do.
That’s not just productivity. That’s a discipleship question. If I believe God is calling me, and I keep choosing comfort over obedience, what am I really building on?
As stated in Matthew 7:20, “So by their fruits you will know them.”
I’d like to propose a simple exercise: If someone followed you for a week, 24/7, and recorded everything you did (no sound, just video), would a person watching that “movie” know by your actions, that you’re a follower of Jesus? Would they see evidence of His teachings in your behavior, your priorities, and daily living?
This isn’t a test. It’s a moment to assess how much life has changed since we started following Jesus. It’s about identifying progress and noticing areas that can be improved.
Let us pray.
Lord Jesus, don’t let me be content with listening while avoiding putting it into practice. Give me the courage to face the gaps in my life without excuses and without pretending. Show me one place where my actions don’t match what I claim to believe, and grant me the grace to take the first step to address it. Amen.
In peace,
~Juan
