The Risk of Death

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” Proverbs 14:12 (Job 30:23, 34:18-22, Psalms 18, 37)

 “I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.” 1 Corinthians 15:31

“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21

Death is an enigma that has boggled man since the fall of Adam.  We seek anti-aging medicines, the best health care, cure-all elixirs, “the fountain of youth,” etc. to steal a little time back before death calls our name.    We try to avoid it as much as possible, but given enough time everyone tastes death.  Only three individuals have left this world outside of death (Enoch, Elijah, and Jesus;) for the rest of us, statistics say that one out of one die.

Our avoidance of death, causes us to worry and fret, avoiding risks; often paralyzing us in the process from advancing the cause of the Lord.  (We should use judgment and not be frivolous with our life, engaging in unnecessary risky behavior like wrestling crocodiles for fun.) Though it is when we take the risks of life that we gain the greatest rewards.  Think of walking to the mail box.  Not much risk here, but not much to gain either (just a few bills.)  Now taking the same action, walking into a witnessing opportunity, involves much more risk and reward. 

Jesus often reminded his disciples to let go of this life and to truly embrace their mission.  The disciples constantly sought worldly things that seemed right to our minds; riches, power, and a kingdom to name a few.  We are little different seeking comfortable retirements, estates, fame, and the “American Dream.” Look at these teachings from Jesus:

“seek first the kingdom of God” (Math 6:33), “if they persecuted me, they will persecute you” (John 15:20), “whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it” (Mark 8:35), “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost?” (Luke 9:25)

Jesus shows us that the “safety” of this world is not worth losing the rewards of the next.  As John Piper put it “safety is an illusion”, there are an infinite amount of risks in anything we do (a car could veer off the road when you walk to the mail box).  God is able to protect us from all these things; so the greatest risk is living life outside of the will of God.  God promises (i.e. not risky) to bless the ministry of His Word, (Isaiah 55:11) so take and spread His Word with you wherever you go and God will bless the fruits of your hands.