My schedule is dictating a small post today even though my brain is full of interesting concepts.
So here is just a follow up thought to yesterday’s thought on taking risks with people.
Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. (Jude 1:22, 23 NIV)
I saw this post Tuesday night about taking a chance on people, and I thought it was a really good thing to share with all of you. In the post, Ron Edmondson, the author, encourages us to take a chance, or a risk on people, just like Jesus did when he was here.
I think this is a great admonishing for you to consider today, maybe because I spend a lot of time thinking about the quote from Andy Stanley that I shared with y’all back in November ( I can’t believe it was that long ago!) Remember that quote about using your influence to make others around you better?
It’s a very similar concept. Reach out. Work with others. Take a risk to make them better.
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, Hebrews 10:24 ESV
I am getting this out late today because I had to take the kitty to the vet this morning – and then attempt to catch up at work. So just a short thought today.
This past weekend I was teaching some junior high boys about Ananias and Paul and how that Ananias guy was impressive risk taker. As we transitioned from a history lesson to life in the middle schools of America, they suggested the followers of the Christ had “no swag”.
The sad part is I understand what they are talking about somewhat, because as they put it sometime those that follow the Way, can be “lame”. However, there’s not much lame, in my opinion about getting out and treating others the way they should be treating. It may not be as flashy or as exciting as some other things in life, but it probably makes a much larger impact.
Personally, I think the lameness of followers of the Christ come when they stop following the man who died on a cross for an act he didn’t commit and start after the judgements and short-term visions in their own hearts. And actually I think that is what they were talking about as well.
I dunno, this one is a real brain stumper to me, and the reason I even write about it is not as much for encouragement to you, as it is to challenge you today – in two ways.
First, why do those that follow the Christ come off as lame?
and Second, are you focused on having ‘swag’ here and now, or as I told the boys, are you thinking about have “eternal swag”. ( I am not even sure what that really is, but I know that is how the followers of Christ really live.)
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 New International Version (NIV)
And I guess, the tertiary challenge is to think about how this next generation is thinking. I know it has stayed in my head all week so far.
Next week, a friend of mine and her family are heading off to China – for the week. It’s a quick trip to visit and encourage friends. That’s a risk and a challenge for anyone and she is taking her entire family and making a really really short trip.
Throughout this week when I have seen her, I have not said to her “Be careful” or “Be safe”, but “Be Risky”.
It’s sound ridiculous, but I think the purpose of her trip, and really the purpose of most of our days, is not to make it to the end safely, but to take the appropriate risks to encourage and build up others, and to make ourselves better!
So one simple thought on this Friday – get out there – enjoy the day – and Be Risky!
9Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 English Standard Version (ESV)
Well, just so you know I probably should have stuck with Tacos yesterday. The golf game was pretty poor and I think I donated 18 balls to the Canyon Ridge Country Club. ( I wonder if I can claim those on my taxes?) But I had a great time with some guys and enjoyed a fantastic crystal clear October day up on the mountain. The clubs however, may need to head back down into the basement, then may have more value to the spiders then to me!
But overall, I am glad I took the risk, I am happy with my reactions to what could have been really really frustratingly bad golf, and I hope that the guys I played with had a great time, despite having only 3 balls to choose from on each play!
Overall that’s a pretty small risk, but it’s these little things like that then when we build on them we can really transform our lives. I hope you find some bit of motivation from my bad golf ( which is actually motivated by my friend Randy’s risk to do the same thing) and that you are intentional in your interactions today!
The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1 New International Version (NIV)