Goldilocks Syndrome

We all know the Goldilocks story: a little girl, walking in the forest… comes to a deserted house.

Inside the house, she sits in a chair that’s too small and one that’s too large before finding one that is “just right.”

She tastes porridge that is too hot and some that is too cold before devouring a bowl that’s “just right.”

She tries a too-soft bed and a too-hard bed before finding one that’s “just right.”

Astronomers use the term “Goldilocks Zone” to describe planets that are positioned “just right” from a star—planets like earth that can maintain liquid water (too close to a star, everything burns—too far from a star, everything freezes).

Investors use the term “Goldilocks Portfolio” to describe a family of funds that aren’t too hot or too cold… they’re “just right.”

Goldilocks may be a positive concept in astronomy, investing, and fairytales—but it’s a problem in the church.

In the church, I call it “The Goldilocks Syndrome.”

Not too hot, not too cold… “just right.”

Or, as God describes it: “lukewarm.”

“You’re not cold, you’re not hot—far better to be either cold or hot! You’re stale. You’re stagnant. You make me want to vomit. You brag, ‘I’m rich, I’ve got it made, I need nothing from anyone,’ oblivious that in fact you’re a pitiful, blind beggar, threadbare and homeless.” (Revelation 3.15-17 MSG)

“Just right” ain’t right in the church.

Safe and comfortable isn’t where life flourishes in God’s kingdom.

I know this is counterintuitive—we’re ingrained with the notion that “safe is good.”

God used such a strong visual image to describe how he feels about the Goldilocks Syndrome: it makes him want to vomit.

Recently, a friend asked me what I believe needs to change in our church.

Immediately, I thought about the Goldilocks Syndrome.

With tears welling up in my eyes, I answered his question:

“One thing I feel strongly about: our church needs to push and go beyond where we’ve been. We need to take the limits off, clear the haze of apathy… really give a damn and do things big, loud, and risky.”

That’s what I’m praying for.

No more Goldilocks Syndrome.

No more “just right” safe and comfortable, hazy, lazy, lukewarm Christianity.

It’s time to take the limits off—and go to another level.