Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David—that is my gospel, 9 for which I suffer hardship, even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God is not chained. 10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, so that they may also obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. 

2 Timothy 2:8-10 NRSV

What is your gospel? Or in other words, what is your good news? For the Apostle Paul (and us too I pray), it is Jesus raised from the dead. That is where he found good news. How do you know it’s your good news? Your willingness to sacrifice, perhaps even suffer, and  definitely look foolish are key indicators of your good news. Good news, if it is truly good, comes from God and never stops at just being personal. Good news always ends as a difference maker for the community.

Comfort is the enemy of the good news. I know that is a strong statement and assuredly I meant it to be hyperbole. But not by much. Paul “endures everything for the sake of the elect.” What are we willing to endure for the sake of the congregation we belong to? How much are we willing to sacrifice in order to see the good news of Jesus Christ become a reality in our communities? Is comfort our end goal…if so, I dare say that in itself is our good news. But there is so much more in life that is important than being comfortable. The good news of Jesus Christ depends on the work of his Spirit through a people willing to set aside comfort for higher temporal goals and a greater eternal difference.