Several years ago, at the time of the Syrian refugee crisis, a person in my Bible Study session asked, “How can we believe that God loves all people if the Syrians are living in such hardship and we have it so easy in the United States?”

That question came back to me as I recently listened to Fr. Pete McCormick’s Daily Inspiration on Hallow entitled, “Lobster Boil.” He explained that to cook a lobster, “We take a pot of cold water and put in on the stove. Then place the live lobster in the water and begin heating. At first the lobster will think nothing of what is starting to happen, but slowly the water will warm and boil, which ultimately brings about the lobster’s demise.” He teaches that it is all about finding a comfortable place to rest. That today comfort has become a defining characteristic of the American dream; we hope to surround ourselves with the things of life that provide ease, low stress, and the most minimal amount of inconvenience possible. A “good life” is often defined by the amount of comfort we have surrounded ourselves with.

I picture twenty-first century Americans sitting in a large pot of heating water. It is quite warm right now, perhaps halfway to boiling. If we had been tossed in this water a few years ago, we would have jumped out screaming in shock, but like the lobster, we have adjusted to the slow increase in temperature. We look at each other in the pot and very few are complaining or leaving, so the comfort of staying put seems the easiest.

So, if we look back at the Syrian refugee question, why should we think that people experiencing hardships are less loved by God? Maybe they are extra special to God; maybe it is easier for them to grow closer to Christ because they are suffering. Maybe they are on their knees praying for mercy while we are sitting comfortably in a pot. Third world refugees may have an easier path to heaven because God is pushing them to turn to Him; they see that their survival is out of their own control. Most of our forefathers were farmers and strong Christians that prayed for rain for their crops and epidemics to spare their families. They know that their survival was out of their control too. In contrast today, when we sit comfortably, we can numbly think that we don’t need God. By God allowing us to get too comfortable, He might be challenging us most of all.

Scripture: Read Psalm 34:16-20. What stands out?

Call to Action: As disciples, let’s climb out of the pot before it is too late. Let us not choose comfort over truth and service to God and neighbor.