Every parent I know wants their children to live a full and satisfying life, which is of course a great thing to desire. Yet too often, in an attempt to help steer their kids towards this fulfilling life, they cripple them instead. Hovering parents not only save their children from their own mistakes, they also discourage their kids from taking risks. It's sad to me when a student is inspired by God to stand up and do something in this world for good, only to have their parents tell them it would be "too difficult or too dangerous." When has following Jesus ever been safe? For some reason American Christians always take God's promise to his exiles in Jeremiah 29:11 way out of context. "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." This was never intended as an individualistic statement or as a promise to all of us Christians living in the 21st century that our lives would be free from harm and pain. No, this was a promise to his people who were entering captivity, letting them know that their nation would not end, that God had bigger plans in store for them as a collective whole.
It is true that God has huge plans for us, but these plans call us to take risks and avoid playing it safe. Did Christ play it safe? Of course not. He was hated and eventually crucified, as were so many of his disciples. Following Christ demands we take risks for his sake, that we go into all the world, and eventually lay down our lives for him. Playing it safe will get you killed, but it will be a death of your spirit. Taking risks for Jesus always end with the most fulfilling life imaginable.
1 comment:
Thanks for this insightful post, Dan. It was meaningful for me both as a father and a disciple of Jesus.
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