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When Tara and I were back in the States for Thanksgiving, we noticed a Christian radio station advertising itself as “safe for the whole family.” I thought it was interesting that of all the good things Christian music can provide to its listeners, this company decided to market safety. Could comfort, ease, and safety be idols in our lives? Don’t get me wrong, these words are not wrong, but if they become the focus and goal of one’s life, what started out good can ultimately hinder the sharing of the Gospel. In Matthew 4, when Jesus is being tempted by the Devil, it is interesting to look at the tactics used. In offering Jesus food, power, and protection, Satan entices Jesus with the very items mentioned above: comfort, ease, and safety. How many times have we not done something for God because it was risky, hard, or might decrease our standard of living? Tara and I heard all sorts of responses when people found out we are moving to a foreign country (some even asked if we were taking our children with us for the next five+ years). A common statement, however, is that they could never do such a thing. This statement is fair, but if our reason is fear of discomfort, risk, and danger than Satan has used the same tactics as in Matthew 4 …and we have fallen victim. What if Jesus bypassed the cross because it was too risky and going to cause some discomfort. This is not a call for everyone to pack their bags and head to another country, but rather a simple challenge to go outside of our comfort zone and trust that God will take care of us. Go on a short-term mission trip, give more of our resources to those in need, share God’s love with someone who is different, befriend our neighbors. Following Jesus should be an adventure. Being a Christian should bring about new stories of where God takes us. The paths God leads us to may not always be comfortable, safe, or easy, but as Christians we have the assurance that God will be along side us the whole way. May we never fall victim to placing our love of comfort, ease, and safety over our love for God.