Discipleship Is Risky

 

Photo by Loic Leray on Unsplash  

Here is a risk worth taking!

 ... men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 15:26) They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them. (Romans 16:4)

 Real  discipleship is risky business. It brings us into the realm of adventure and uncertainty where there is sometimes danger of persecution or failure. But the risks are worth it as we follow Jesus.

There are two main approaches that people take toward risk in the extreme. The first is to avoid it at all costs. The consequence of this approach is that nothing great is ever attempted and nothing beyond the ordinary is ever accomplished.

The second approach is to take risks for their own sake with no other purpose than an Adrenalin rush or a cheap thrill. Folks who take this approach will also fail to accomplish anything of significance for their objectives all lie in the exhilaration of the moment.

There is a third approach that allows us to be productive and positive people in a world of uncertainty where our only certainty is in God Himself. It is embodied in the man or woman who takes no great pleasure in risky behavior, but neither fears it or retreats from a challenge because it involves the possibility of danger or defeat. This was the attitude of the believers that Paul commended in his epistle to the Romans. An acronym might be helpful in understanding the positive qualities of risky discipleship. 

1. Reaching for something beyond your reach
2. Investing in something with no guarantees except God’s own Word.
3. Seeking only the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.
4. Knowing only that God and His will shall, triumph in the end.
5. Yield your life to God.

 If you are going to take a risk, make sure you have a sure foundation.