Welcome to St. Goldilocks.

The vast majority of us have heard of the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. And we all know the story of how Goldilocks was walking through the forest when she spied a cabin and went inside. Then the main plot of the story begins. As Goldilocks tried out the porridge, the chair and the bed there was always one that was far too uncomfortable or too cold, one that was not too comfortable or too hot and one that was just right.

This story has given rise to something referred to as the “Goldilocks Zone”. It refers to an optimum area where everything is in balance and not too extreme. A comfort zone, if you will.

Astronomers refer to our planet’s orbit as being in the Goldilocks zone. Too close to the sun and we would burn up. Too far away from the sun and we would freeze. Some businesses use the Goldilocks theory as a model and balance for their workplaces. Their dilemma is either too many workers but not enough work, or too much work and not enough workers. So the management try to find their “Goldilocks Zone”.

But although the name has only been recently adopted the theory is not a new one. Ironically, the idea of getting too comfortable is actually spoken against in our Bible. Our Bibles continually commend us to get out of our comfort zones. For it is there that God starts to work within us.

The American gospel singer Mark Lowry speaks of the various interruptions in our lives. He tells us that God can be found in “the interruptions”. The mishaps and dissappointments that come to us in our daily lives.

He goes on to tell us about Moses’ life being interrupted after he murdered two men. He found himself in the wilderness for the next 40 years. But it was there that Moses met with God at “the bush that burned but was not consumed”.

And our Bible goes on to tell us about Daniel in the den of lions where God met with him. Also in the fiery furnace where God met with the three Hebrew men also.

All of God’s dealings were happening outside of everyone’s comfort zones.

David was out of his comfort zone when king Saul was chasing after him to kill him. David found himself hiding in a cave at a place called Adullam. But it was there that God brought David all the support that he needed.

1st Samuel Ch22 (1)David therefore departed from there and escaped to the cave of Adullam. So when his brothers and all his father's house heard it, they went down there to him. (2)And everyone who was in distress, everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented gathered to him. So he became captain over them. And there were about four hundred men with him

But our Bible warns us never to become too complacent in our church or our christian circles…

Ecclesiastes Ch7 (16)Do not be overly righteous, Nor be overly wise: Why should you destroy yourself? (17)Do not be overly wicked, Nor be foolish: Why should you die before your time? (18)It is good that you grasp this,

We should always be trying to find a way to get closer to God. Nothing dramatic, just that simple thing that would bring you that little bit closer to Him. Say a little prayer. Learn a little hymn or chorus. Meet some new christian friends. For this is the way that God wanted his church to grow. Consider the early days of the church in the book of Acts…

Acts of The Apostles Ch2 (46)So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, (47)praising God and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

However. God’s word also gives us a warning if we do not grow in Him and just prefer to stay comfortable.

Revelation Ch3 (15) "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. (16)So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.

So let us not be afraid of this, my friends. God loves us. And He wants us to continually grow in Him day by day, week by week, year by year.

Take the time to learn something, or someone, new for God.

All my hope on God is founded;
He doth still my trust renew.
Me, through change and chance he guideth.
Only good and only true.
God unknown, He alone.
Calls my heart to be his own.

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