The Greatest Risk

"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." When FDR made that statement, I'm sure he didn't intend it to become such an iconic statement. What he really wanted people to understand was that courage is the only true weapon against the power of fear. So, to borrow from Roosevelt, The greatest risk is to take no risk at all. You must understand that I'm not a big risk taker. I like the sure thing. Strangely, though, I'm taking a big risk right at this moment. I just finished reading from John Piper's book "Don't Waste Your Life" about risk. Piper points out that risk is unavoidable, it exists in every fiber of our being. He goes on to say that not only is safety an illusion, it's a drug that is more addicting than anything that we might smoke or inject.
Consider, for a moment, the many opportunities you had this week to impact positively a fellow human being. Was the risk too much for you? Was the price too high? Or were you able to overcome your fear and seize the day? I must admit that I failed at least 80% of the time. But the 20% I didn't was powerful. Those few moments were scary because I put myself out on the line, exposed, and it was not comfortable. But, like the tightrope walker, the more times I step out onto that tiny rope and try to balance between my own pride and the need to serve others I gain a little more confidence.
I want you to think about risk this week. I want you to meditate on people like Esther and Daniel. They risked everything and pleased God. Are we called to risk like that? I don't have the answer, but I know that risk is what makes this experience we call life so rewarding. Just remember, without risk there is no reward. And remember the one who risked everything (literally) to guarantee our reward.

Blessings and Peace!