We live in a time when people go to great measures to feel safe. This is best illustrated in larger cities.
First, you have to figure out where the safest neighborhood is in the city and move there. You will no doubt be in a gated housing addition. I’ve even visited a friend who lived in a gated housing addition within a gated housing addition! Two sets of gates!
Not enough. We must then purchase an alarm system complete with video cameras and a monitoring company that is ready to notify the police if the alarm is triggered.
Not enough. We must then choose which types of locks to install on the doors. These come in a giant variety to supplement the locks that come preinstalled in the doors themselves.
Add a big scary dog and a 12-gauge pump action shotgun and you’re all set to feel safe.
I’m being facetious, but having said that, I do know people who employ some, if not all of these. I have no objection to any of them, that is, to make property and sleeping babies secure from harm. However, what do I become when I employ a methodology to keep myself safe?
If I am determined to keep myself safe at all costs, I will likely never help a stranger in need, go on a mission trip, lead a Bible study, teach Sunday school, give generously or share my faith in Jesus with others.
Why? Those are all personal risks. If I help a stranger, he might take advantage of me. If I go on a mission trip, I might get sick, feel miserable, or, depending upon the location, get imprisoned or worse! If I lead a Bible study or teach Sunday school there might be a trouble maker who derails the whole class (this applies to all ages, unfortunately). If I give generously to the church or to others in need, I may not have enough to purchase everything that I want. If I share my faith in Jesus, I might get made fun of, get into an unpleasant verbal altercation or even miss out on a possible promotion.
Jesus put his disciples through a lot of unpleasantry after they made the decision to follow Jesus, but this was only their training. They experienced far more dangers after He went back to heaven. He made no illusions; he assured them that hard times were coming. He told them in John 15:20,
If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you;
And in John 16:33
In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.
I like the NIV translation of John 16:33 better,
In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. (emphasis mine)
There are times to be safe, but there are other times to be bold, daring, and like Jesus. 2 Timothy 1:7-9 explains,
For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity…
What risk is Jesus calling you to? Start following with small risks at first. He will honor those risks you are taking for His name’s sake and He will expose His glory as you follow Him. When you behold what He does, your faith with grow. You will then be ready for the next challenge.
Who is my audience for this article? All who are still breathing.
Thanks for taking a risk by hiring this very imperfect follower of Christ!
Wes LeFlore (918) 607-8489 or huskerwes1@gmail.com
