There are two ways to live—the risky way or the mundane way. I really don’t think there is an “in between” way of life. We either take risk or we hold on to the effortless comfort we’ve found. Fear paralyzes us. What other people think paralyzes us. Our own history of failure, embarrassment, and shame inhibits us. Risk can seem impossibly dangerous—something to protect ourselves from. But when we stay on the “mundane highway” we live counter-intuitively to our spirit, and thus stifle the man or woman God created us to be. The familiar overshadows the more, and we are left missing out on an adventure God has for us.
When I was a kid I loved Indiana Jones so much I wanted to be an archaeologist. I longed for the adventure, excitement, and death-defying action of Harrison Ford’s character. Whenever Jones went searching for a valued item he always ran into problems. He had to fight for what he sought and came dangerously close to death (or at least a lot of pain) several times. The days of wanting to be an archaeologist passed as the reality sunk in that most days my job wouldn’t look like Indie’s. But I still long for that adventure. Adventure doesn’t require a bullwhip, Smith and Wesson handgun, or heavy-duty boots. All it requires is a readiness to risk on our part.
Are you in search of something? Are you willing to fight for it? Are you willing to risk your life for it? When we accept Christ as Savior we are given the Holy Spirit—and there is a “no holds barred” approach when it comes to the Spirit and risk. After all, exponential growth happens when we take a chance. I wouldn’t be who I am today had I not heeded the Holy Spirit’s multiple calls to take risk. And you know what? Life is so much more fun when doing so. Admittedly risk can produce ironclad butterflies that spastically flap around in your stomach temporarily, but the fear that evaporates, the wisdom gained, and the maturing relationship with God that occurs lasts for your whole life.
Risking is scary, but God loves us too much to allow us to coast on “mundane highway”. He gives us the option—are we willing to give up control of the life we think is safe to the One who is truly in control, or reject His leading because we know what’s best (or easy) for our lives? When He calls us to risk, it has to be for our good. From my own experience, that is absolutely true.
Even though I’ve seen the fruitfulness in risk taking, I still hesitate at times. Sometimes it seems too painful. But I’ve learned that for me, risk is a way to prune the bad, deceiving fruit. It’s also a reminder of whom I am dependent upon. Ultimately, our Creator knows what’s best for each of us. I will live a much freer life when I submit to the risky business of the Holy Spirit. I will be more of myself when I realize that keeping my emotions, heart, mind, and body safe will never spawn growth in me. Protecting myself will only stifle growth and truly hurt me in the end.
What is your quest? Is it to become the person God created you to be? It won’t happen if you don’t reach out and take it. You’ll have to jump over a few fire pits, make your way through waste deep mud, possibly dart through a room of venomous snakes, and maybe even get close to falling off a ledge. But the Holy Spirit will be leading the way, holding your hand, and making sure you get through your risky undertaking. Risk is an adventure you never do on your own. He is with you, rooting for you, and excited to see you grow more into His creative masterpiece through each risk you take.
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