Comfort and growth

I heard someone say once that the biggest struggle of our current time period is going to be people becoming too accustomed to being “comfortable”.

… I like being comfortable.

I like making others feel comfortable, both physically and emotionally.

Comfort isn’t bad!

In fact, I’ve learned that my Heavenly Father is a God of comfort.

I’ve gone to Him when I’ve struggled or felt completely “less than”.

And He has just comforted me.

Comfort is beautiful and necessary.

But… God is also a God of improvement.

He wants me to change.

To be better than I was yesterday. To overcome that temptation even faster. To love my neighbors more.

To get outside my comfort zone.

Because I’m sure not going to become more like my Savior by staying comfortable.

This is what I see God capture so perfectly time and time again.

When speaking to Joseph, the Lord taught:

“Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, that at this time your sins are forgiven you, therefore ye receive these things;

“but remember to sin no more, lest perils shall come upon you.” D&C 29:3

Comfort. And then the encouragement to grow.

I feel many of these feelings when I partake of the sacrament each week.

A perfect mixture of comfort for what I’ve done right, and a push to improve and leave my sins behind.

Sometimes, I think I want comfort as I kneel down to pray. But instead I feel promptings for how I can step up my spiritual connection.

And other times I feel desperate for guidance, and instead I feel overwhelming love and comfort.

Both are important.

We can look for both from our perfectly loving Heavenly Father.

Comfort. And growth.

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black