Risk and Reward by David Jeremiah

 

Risk and Reward  For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. Mark 8:35    The phrase, “No pain, no gain” has come to mean that success requires a willingness to reach for a goal. We can either desire safety—live a no-risk, no-faith life—or we can stretch ourselves beyond our natural abilities and achieve a more fulfilling life.

Recommended Reading: John 12: 24 – 25

That was Jesus’ message for those following Him. The safe life is a life protected from loss and disappointment, a passionless life that is afraid to love and live. But if we embrace the Kingdom of God in the face of a world that wants to reject it, we will discover a life of passion. As Jesus Himself said, “I have come that [you] may have life, and that [you] may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). Yes, following Jesus involves risk and therefore trust. But without risk, there is no reward. If you are tempted to hold back, to not take the risk with the crowd that is following Jesus…don’t! Step out in faith and love. Only then will you find (save) your life. I would sooner risk the dangers of a tornado of religious excitement than see the air grow stagnant with a deadly formality.  Charles H. Spurgeon