What are We Willing to Risk?

PHIL 2:25-30

Epaphroditus...nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me." (v20)

What are we willing to risk for the gospel? We are a society that is comprised of risk-takers and risk-fearers. Many today seem to fall in the category of risk-fearers. Maybe of a bad experience. It could have been a stock market crash, a housing bubble, an unstable economy, fear of the unknown, rejection, or failure. These and more tend to paralyze people from taking a risk. When it comes to church circles it is not much different. Believers tend to cling to comfort, tradition, and familiarity. It is difficult for many to attempt to risk trying a new method or model of ministry due to familiarity, comfort, and tradition. 

In our church we are gearing up to move our services from our permanent building to a school. There are many good reasons for this move, but it is still a risk that we are making as a church. We believe it is in a better location, with more room to grow, and that it is a more neutral location for potential unchurched people to attend. Obviously the downside is the set-up and portability that we will ensue upon this journey. This is a risk we are willing to take. This is not the only risk we want to take for Christ, but this is a present one. And this risk that we are taking is far less dangerous than the risk Epaphroditus and many of our brothers and sisters around the world are having to make. They are risking their lives for the gospel. Ultimately this is the greatest risk anyone will ever make in their lives. 

When put in perspective, risking moving to another location, becoming portable, trying a different way or method, seeking to implement a different ministry model, trying a new ministry, or spending money in order to try and reach people, are far less risky for the gospel than having to risk your life for the gospel. Here in the comfort of American society, may believers begin to risk more and more for the gospel. May we risk our money, pride, tradition, comfort, and presuppositions for the sake of the gospel. In the end, if we risk these things, will we risk losing our lives as many do each and every day?