Convenience Isn’t the Goal
He has told you, O follower, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8)
I had my Kindle ready to experience a few hours of hades at the local DMV. Yes, I had made an appointment, but that and $5.00 might get you a small cup of designer coffee. Shockingly, I was out of there in less than fifteen minutes. As I was walking back to my car, I wondered what I would do with all the extra unplanned time. I started thinking about how much more convenient our lives are now as I ordered a latte on my phone app, so when I got there, it would be ready and paid for. I love not having to wait for anything.
Can our world be too convenient? Funnily, no matter how comfortable our lives get, they do not get easier to navigate. Convenience and comfort are not synonymous. The fewer hassles, the less practiced we are in addressing and overcoming aggravations. Teenagers and young adults claim life is too challenging and create a “check-out culture” where they just stop trying. Doing with less convenience may make our society happier and less overwhelming.
In “Is Our Convenience-Obsessed Culture Undermining Our Overall Wellbeing?” Sneha Saigal confirms that there are “hidden costs of easy living.” Saigal ensures, “We live in an ease-induced lifestyle that has robbed us of serendipity and reduced the likelihood of spontaneity. We live a robotic, programmed life.” She provides examples of clothing brought directly to our door and reminders sent to us through social media. Saigal claims convenience creates complacency. Nothing enduring is simple or easy.
Today, think of examples of how your life is easier now than in the past. Have these conveniences made life markedly better? Don’t answer too quickly. Consider what makes life meaningful. God calls us to address challenging problems to make a lasting difference in God’s name. Fundamental transformation isn’t quick, easy, or convenient. God’s way, through Jesus Christ, is often arduous. Striving for comfort and convenience is not part of our divine call. It limits our ability to learn how to become resilient enough to address the world’s injustice and needs. God is calling us to balance comfort and the necessity of learning through discomfort.