At the farthest point from the comfort zone, lies the “Stress Zone.” This is where challenges seem overwhelming and we find ourselves unable to cope, and start “freaking” out. When the music gets way too loud, the calamari is raw, the car is broken, and the family breaks apart is when this zone is commonly reached. Perhaps the worship service is “over the top” and we just can’t do it anymore. There are times I have reached this point and I refuse to change, to develop new habits and revert back to my comfort zone.

The median point is called the “Stretch Zone.” This zone is where new habits are formed. It stretches us to make the changes, but we can cope with them and learn new skills. It is the time of training, when runners are able to stretch their distances. It is the time of cutting back on calories and learning new eating habits. It is even learning new music with which to sing praise to our Lord. It is pastors finding new ways to communicate the good news. We get stretched to develop new habits and behaviors.

We love our comfort zones and want to stay away from our stress zones, but we, individuals and churches, should be encouraged to spend large amounts of time and energies in the stretch zone, when activities may feel unfamiliar and even awkward. This zone is where true change occurs.

I am thinking that this is what Paul was referring to when he admonished us to move from our comfort zone: “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world” and enter the stretch zone: “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Then, in that zone, we will be able to develop a new behavior described as “Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2 NIV).

Pastor Carlson identified five characteristics of a person who “puts on Christ.” See if these fit you.

CHRISTIANS WHO PUT ON CHRIST:
Demonstrate Compassionate Acceptance for the Lost
See the Divine Potential in the Most Unlikely Person
Intentionally Reach Out to the Scum of the Earth
Will Not Be Swayed By the Religious Elite
Will Be Abandoned to Christ’s Purpose

I am convinced that God blesses churches and people who get outside themselves, who give outside themselves, who reach out in evangelism and who lift up the majesty of God. Mary Nordstrom wrote, “It is our privilege to have world evangelism as a passion… not our responsibility to have as a burden.”

The churches of Evangelical Friends Church Mid America will see significant growth and make a huge difference in their world when we act intentionally to “put on Christ.”