There’s a great quote I ran across the other day that said, “Maybe life isn't about avoiding the bruises. Maybe it's about collecting the scars to prove we showed up for it." If we are honest no one really enjoys getting either one, but if you get so focused on never getting hurt or being uncomfortable you may never fully live into the person you have been called to be.

Philippians 2:12-13 tells us, “12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” Paul is writing to people to say you don’t need me to hold your hand through every choice that is to come your way. You know the truth, now do the hard part of applying it to your life.

We love our soft cushy comfortable spots. They’re filled only with the people we know and love. We think that if the world was perfect, we’d never have to leave. Unfortunately, you have been given a higher calling than to just sit in your safe and manicured world. If you claim the name of Christ then you have knowledge that could save others if you only shared it.

Jesus made it pretty plain in Acts 1:8, “…you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” That sounds a lot more like a call to action than a call to hide. Don’t get me wrong it will be hard, but muscles only get stronger when you work them.

We fear judgment. We fear rejection. We fear being called crazy. But if we can’t sacrifice a small piece of our reputation for something that is so much greater, how will we ever grow? Try it. Invite someone to church. Broach the subject of what God means to you.

Getting a no is just as important as getting a yes because it means you did the hard work of showing up.