Yes, even our comfort zones have an “expiration date”. In other words, sometimes our comfort zones won’t always stay so comfortable!

Consider showers, for example.  We’ve all been there—standing in the shower, luxuriating and relaxing under the flow of water that feels ever-so comfortable to us, not wanting to leave that temporary corner of paradise. But then the water begins to cool, reminding us how temporary our “paradise” of comfort really is.

We can face that reality before it’s too late. Or, we can deny it until we’re jolted out by a blast of cold water acting as “reality therapy” upon our skin.

The same applies to life. While it’s easy to remain in our comfort zones, it’s not always realistic, especially when they become uncomfortable due to a change in circumstances. What has worked for us before may not continue to work now or in the future.

Think of technology and computers, for example. Sticking with the comfortable way we’ve always done it not only fails, but can get us into trouble. (“Why didn’t you answer my email?” “Sorry, my old Dos computer finally bit the dust.”)

Any kind of innovation or change often feels uncomfortable at first. If we ask a baby how they feel about going from laying to sitting to rolling to scooting to crawling to walking, they’d tell us it took some courage and deciding it was worth the discomfort and failures.

Falling isn’t fun. Expending extra energy to learn a new skill, try a new way, etc., involves risk, discomfort, and trial and error along the way until we get it right and get used to it. But babies go through the bother and pain because no one wants to sit or crawl when they can walk.

And just like the child who’s glad they learned how to walk, step by step, literally as well as figuratively, we’ll be just as glad when we shed our comfort zones. Especially if we do so before they expire and do more harm than good.

Remember the “horseless carriage”? That’s what automobiles (means “move by themselves) were called when they first came out. A lot of people hesitated to get in one, let alone ride in one, or “worse yet”, drive one. They didn’t feel safe or comfortable. There’s nothing wrong with horses and buggies. In fact, they’re fun and peaceful to ride in. But those who won’t ride in motorized vehicles, let alone airplanes when necessary, will often “miss the boat” when it comes to getting where they need to go on time.

Our goal isn’t modernization, or even “progress”, and new isn’t always improved. Rather, our goal is the kind of growth mindset that generates a willingness to learn and try different ways of doing things, and courage to face the risks. Then evaluate, adjust if necessary, and go with the way that works best.

Some people will resist this. Every organization, team, or group tends to have at least one member who balks at innovation and trying something new because “We’ve never done it this way before”. Here’s how to deal with that:

Leaders—If you have a follower/team member that’s reluctant to venture outside their comfort zone– let them know how uncomfortable that zone will become when they get left behind or it does more harm than good.

Followers—Do you really want to get left in the cold when everyone else has moved on to something better, useful, and more advantageous?

Think of what would have happened if none of Jesus’ followers had ventured out to fulfill His Great Commission (Mat. 28:18-20) – where would the rest of us be today? Certainly not living with the Lord now or for eternity.

Ultimately, when we gain an eternal perspective, we understand how temporary our temporal comfort zones really are. That makes us more ready and willing to leave them for that which is so much greater and lasts forever. We see this illustrated in the life of Abraham:

“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.” Heb. 11:8-10

Contrast this with the rich young ruler, who chose to cling to his wealth-made comfort, not realizing how short-lived that comfort would be. Even if he didn’t lose it in his earthly life,  the “hot water” would run out when he left this world. As the song goes, “You’ll never see a U-Haul pulled behind a hearse”!

“And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.” Mk. 10:21-22

So it is with us. Sooner or later our comfort zone will cease to protect us or provide comfort. In which case, let’s expand our comfort zones by getting out of them before they expire!