I think for a time we in America believed that as long as we did what we were supposed to and stayed away from a reckless lifestyle, harm would not befall us. I know that is how I thought when I was growing up. But now I am sure it was just an allusion. Even if there was no such thing as natural disasters or even accidents we still have to deal with ourselves.
Man has always gone out of his way to harm others. From the time Cain killed his brother till the disturbed young man took the lives of all those college students and professors mankind has been in harms way.
I suppose we could try like some families in the 50’s and bury ourselves in an underground shelter like the comedy "Blast From the Past" dipicted or a more modern version hide in a safe room in our home and never come out. But that just means we die to others while we are still technically alive. It may be the safe thing to do but what kind of life is that?
If holing up (being perfectly safe) is not what we were put on this earth to do then what are we supposed to do when life is dangerous? Some people believe vigilantism is the way to stay safe (fight fire with fire). Others, through demonstration believe they can bring about a better and safer world, and still others, say forcing or outing people will call attention to the problem and bring peace and safety through understanding.
The Apostle Peter gave us his spiritually devined plan for life in the face of danger. He says in 1 Peter 4:7-11 that we are to stay clear headed so we can pray. In chapter 5 Peter tells us to cast all our anxieties on God because he cares for you.
We are to also love others above everything. 1 Corinthians 13 says that love keeps no record of wrong, in other words it forgives. Through love we also show the world that we are His disciples.
Finally Peter tells us to be hospitable toward others and use our gifts to serve one another.
These are what Peter says to do in our daily life. They may or may not seem to you all that big a deal, but to a world that is afraid and in need of hope and comfort they can be a true lifesaver. Why not be a risktaker and just do something?
Thursday, April 26, 2007
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2 comments:
There are many reasons that we as Christians do not take risks when it comes to doing something for the sake of the Gospel. One reason is fear. Fear pressures us when we reach a point where our ability to focus on execution yields to concern about outcome. This worry about outcome forces us to lose our concentration. The fear of failure begins to rule our emotions and actions, which ultimately results in our failure. What we fear has come upon us. It becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. Another key cause is that we have pre-determined that we have a right certain outcome. When we believe we have a right to something, we have not given the Lord permission to allow an outcome different from what we want. If an outcome is different from our expectations, this may stimulate fear. This fear and failure to want to risk anything severely limits our range to spread the Lord’s Truth and help those he command to help (all sinners). Have you feared Jesus because of what He might require of you? Have you feared that He might ask of you something you are not prepared to give? Do not let your fears drive Him from your presence. His motive is always love for His children. You can trust Him.
Your point was well said. The subject of safety seems to be on everyone's mind lately. I know it is on mine everyday because of Jason. But more than taking risks for your safety, I think we all need to take risks when it comes to sharing our faith. For example, I have been trying to get my brother and sister-in-law to come to church. It is something that I do because I love them, and love worshiping God, but I also know that taking that risk might push people I love away. But I will keep risking!
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