Thoughts From Chris

A couple weeks ago I challenged the church body where I serve to take more risks in 2010 than they took in 2009.  No, I am not talking about tackling a triathlon this year for the first time in your life (like I did last year), or running the Indy Mini half marathon (like I am planning to do this year for the first time).  Nor am I talking about climbing Mt. Everest, taking risks in the stock market, or placing a lot of money on a bet that the Colts will win the Super Bowl this year  (I was actually at the game during the Jets debacle – great time with friends, thank you Karl – but I was calling for Caldwell’s firing as we left – in not so nice of words). 

Anyway the kind of risk I am talking about is when you make decisions throughout the year to do things because you know it’s God’s desire for you, even though it may cause great discomfort, potential pain, and trouble in this world.

Let me give you some examples:

• You have a friend, co-worker, family member, or acquaintance, and you know that if you share with this person the way God changed your life or somehow suggest that they need to repent in their own life and place their life changing faith in Jesus, it might cause some real discomfort or trouble.  Maybe it will cause a strain in your relationship, maybe this person will be offended, maybe this person will think you  are a little weird or judgmental, or maybe this person will be moved by your words and ultimately by God’s Spirit.  You don’t know which way it will go and so there is risk.
• You have harbored unforgiveness against someone who has hurt you in the past.  Every time you think of this person you have these negative and angry feelings.  For you to completely forgive this person, it will cost you many things.  You will have to be vulnerable, you will have to release the emotional debt you feel they owe you, God may ask you to love this person in some kind of way that you would be unwilling to do today, and so you feel this sense of risk.  It may be painful for you initially to completely forgive, and you aren’t sure how hard it will be and what you will have to give up and risk doing it. 
• As a teenager, you feel prompted in your heart to take a stand on an issue with your friends, but you don’t know what the repercussions will be.   Will you lose some or all of your friends?  Will you be labeled in school in some way?  It would probably be easier and far more comfortable to go with the flow and simply fit in.  Is the risk worth it?

Why is following Jesus so hard at times? Can’t we have our cake and eat it too? Can’t we have eternal life AND have comfort in this world?  Is following Jesus really worth it?  Isn’t Christian mediocrity easier than an uncompromising love for God and others?  If most Christians I know compromise and are mediocre and lukewarm, will anyone  really notice anyway if I just fit in with the church-going masses?

My challenge for myself and for you is take more risks in 2010 to follow God in an uncompromising way.  When it comes to obedience and Jesus-centered love (which is the hardest kind), it will ALWAYS be worth it, even if it costs you greatly in this life.