So Much More

by Nate K. on

Articles 5 min read
Genesis 12:2

What would you die for? More importantly, what would you live for?

The hesitation we feel (or at least I feel) when considering these questions is worth exploring.

In their song "Meant to Live," the band Switchfoot laments, “We were meant to live for so much more.” They ask: “Have we lost ourselves?”

Have we? Are we lost? What keeps us from living for so much more?

Compelling Beliefs

The great narrative that the Bible lays out provides us with a "foolproof recipe" for a life of purpose.

We learn we have inherent value as creatures made in God’s own image. Those who trust in Christ also gain an identity as children of God and a sense of belonging as they join the people of God.

We also have a clear purpose. Throughout history, the people of God are called and blessed in order that they “shall be a blessing” (Genesis 12:2). God sends His people to their neighbors and to far countries. The destinations and roles vary, but God’s people are always reaching out. We are given unique gifts and talents we can enjoy using as we play our small, yet fulfilling, part in the mission of God.

Our conviction about our eternal destiny also compels us. Those who have trusted in Christ’s work have an assurance of eternal life in the presence of God. Death is not something to be feared. We also know that those who have not heard and believed this good news are destined for eternity outside of the presence of God. This truth should inspire in us a considerable sense of urgency.   

Jesus gives us an example of a life worth living… and maybe even dying for. When declaring He is the “good shepherd," Jesus says He came so that His sheep “may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10-11).

Do these beliefs compel us to this abundant life? If not, why not?

Risk and Comfort

At its core, risk, is the potential that something bad might happen, or that something good might not happen. All day every day, we make risk/benefit decisions. We try to maximize the potential for good outcomes and minimize the potential for bad ones. This is normal, logical, and often healthy.

Our personalities, background, and age all affect how we make these risk/benefit decisions. Some of us would risk more to try to achieve a positive outcome. Others would risk more to try to avoid a negative outcome.

Our culture also influences how we make risk decisions. For American Christians, I think there is a significant force that influences our risk/benefit decisions. I believe our willingness to live a life of purpose is hindered by comfort. By "comfort," I am referring to the tendency to avoid discomfort. It’s our aversion to actions that may cost us physically, reputationally, relationally, or financially.

Comforts play a significant role in what we are willing to live for… not to mention what we are willing to die for. These tendencies can render a Christ-follower lethargic, distracted and even useless. Like carbon monoxide, comfort's danger lies in our inability to detect it until we are impaired.

I am not saying that we should seek out pain and discomfort. In fact, it is ‘comfort’ that is given by our Good Shepherd as He guides us through the "valley of the shadow of death" (Psalm 23:4). Risk is not our purpose. However, risk is inevitable if we are to pursue our purpose.

This powerful tendency to avoid discomfort make us less willing to reach out. Comfort alters our priorities. It also makes a terrible life goal as the list of what we ‘need’ always manages to stay just a bit longer than what we have. All the while, we are distracted from using our gifts, talents, and resources for something bigger than us. Put simply: comfort can keep us from truly living.

A Compelling Example

Stories of those who are willing to risk their lives for what they believe capture our imagination. Movies and books tell of those who endure suffering, or even death, for a cause greater than themselves. History celebrates those who have dared greatly for a worthy cause.

For me, one of the most compelling proofs of Christ’s resurrection is the way His disciples endured to the end. They, like many today around the world, considered the truth of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection compelling enough to live for… and eventually die for. No one would do that for a hoax.

As followers of Christ, let’s consider Christ’s example and also allow ourselves to be challenged by our brothers and sisters whose lives match their beliefs. The odds are that most of us will not face death for our faith. However, are we willing to live for more than our own comfort? Will we cross the street, the tracks, or the world for the sake of those who haven’t heard? Will we risk discomfort to start a conversation, pray with someone or give of our time and money sacrificially? Will we serve the least among us, especially those who look, act, and think differently than us?

Today’s youth appear eager to spend their time, money, and lives on causes. They are forgoing better paying jobs for ones with more meaning. The church should be not a place young people walk away from because they don’t see people living for a cause greater than themselves.

By God’s grace and the Holy Spirit’s power, let’s wake from the anesthetizing effects of comfort and offer both an explanation and example of living for so much more.

About the Author


Nate K. is a Risk Management Consultant and a guest author for Next Step Disciple.