We Christians can be such a fearful bunch. We fear the future. We fear what could happen so we do nothing. We avoid new people because they may not like us. We avoid speaking from our heart for fear of offending. We live in holy huddles because, if we are honest, we are afraid of the outside world. We're afraid of terrorists, diseases, democrats, foreign countries, gang members, homeless people--really anything different. We are afraid of anything that might threaten our sense of the managed life. We think, "if I can control enough variables in my life, I will be reasonably happy. If I keep my head down and avoid threat, maybe I'll be safe."Too often, though, what we think of as wise living is really nothing more than a managed life driven by sin. We do not trust in the goodness and sovereignty of God to take care of us as we head out on the mission to which He has called us. We live as though we know better so rather than obeying the call to love, or following the great commission, we shrink back afraid and call it wise living.
Did Jesus call us to safety? Did Christ tell his disciples if you follow me, I will keep you safe from conflict, disease, and death? No. He was pretty clear that following him would be risky, but so worth it! A life lived in love and service to others is never something to shrink back from. Never.
The apostle Paul said, "to live is Christ, to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21). We live lives of love toward others regardless of risk and if death comes, rejoice!
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