There's a part of me that loves my comfort zone. Any comfort zone. I like to know what I'm doing, how I'm going to do it, where the ability and resources are going to come from. I like to know what's expected of me, what I can expect from others, and what consequences will surface if those expectations aren't met.
I also love to live. Not just exist but truly live. There's something about rock climbing, sky diving, first dates, or other near death experiences that cause a certain feeling. It's scary, but in a good way. We avoid life at times. The uncertainties just aren't worth the risk. What if I fall, what if I hit the ground, what if I look stupid, what if I'm not happy, what if I lose all I've worked for????
Is that why we love movies so much? The chance to participate in epic battles without the risk of getting shot at, speared, or mutilated. The warm fuzzies of a romantic comedy without having to put our own heart on the line. The intensity of a poker player going all-in with their life savings, while the only bet we made was that the $4.50 we paid at Hollywood video wouldn't be wasted on a lame movie.
Most things worth living for involve a level of risk. Marriage is great, but what if it ends in divorce? Having children is one of the best things ever, but what if they stray from the path and break our hearts? Whether making a discovery, mastering an instrument, or earning a degree, a level of risk and sacrifice is inevitably involved.
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (John 10:10) That they may have life to the full. What an invitation! But what does it cost? What is the risk involved in entering into life where the God of the universe is our Father, His Son is our Saviour, and the Holy Spirit is our guide? To me the answer is both nothing and everything. "And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. (Matt. 19:29) It's like Jesus is saying that everyone who risks everything that matters, to pursue the only thing that matters, will gain the only thing that matters.
So, we risk it all. Because we trust what Jesus says. And then we are anxious. We don't need to be anxious. Why are we anxious? So quickly we take our eyes off Jesus. But we are left with this command. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Phil 4:6-7) How well God knows us to predict our anxiety. How good He is to offer peace.
Mike
