Worth Taking a Risk

The teams were tied 7-7 at the end of regulation.  Both teams missed chances during the first overtime.  In the second overtime, the Brecksville Bees scored a touchdown to go ahead 14-7.  The Hudson Explorers matched the score with their own touchdown to pull within 14-13.  The Hudson decided to go for two, a decision sure to be second guessed.  Kicking the extra point to force a third overtime was the safer bet.  Hudson pulled a trick play as the entire line went left and the pitch to the running back went to the right.  The running back ran for daylight to the end zone and a 15-14 victory.  The entire Hudson bench ran onto the field in celebration.  A hard fought game ended with the team executing on a risky play.  But as one of the Hudson players said, "we practiced that play over and over again and we knew it would work".

The life worth living involves risks.  We in this country particularly live for comfort.  Taking risks involves, well risks.  You have to put yourself out there.  I am especially reminded that the Christian life is one of risks.  Living for Jesus always means taking risks.  The world will not understand the impact of the exchanged life.  A life lived out of surrender is a life that will inevitably involve risks.  However, I was struck that the Hudson play was not a reckless risk, but one that was calculated.  It was expected to succeed.  What life is worth risking on this earth when measured in the perspective of eternity?  Can I truly live for Christ if I place my priorities on my own comfort?  I want to be sold out, ready to do whatever it takes in faith what God calls me to do.

I remember talking to a friend who was on the fence with Christianity.  I had lunch with him and I will never forget what he said.  He said he could not commit to Christ because he had a really good life and he was afraid that God would ask him to give it up and do something radical like move to Africa.  I tried to explain to him that God would never give him something he could not handle.  However, he would need to extend himself in faith because he loves Jesus.  A follower does that and trusts the result.  It is a measured, calculated risk worth taking.

I am studying with a group of Men, the book "Not a Fan" and the premise is based on this concept.  I don't want to be the fan on the sidelines watching the play.  I want to be a follower that lives out my faith completely sold out.