Don't Play It Safe #25

In Ephesians 5, Paul is giving a series of practical exhortations about maintaining stability in the Christian life.  He describes it as a deliberate walking away from evil practices and purposely investing in those things that will prepare us to stand up and count for Christ. In the middle of chapter 5 he states: 

15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

At first glance, the first verses sound like "playing it safe/avoiding all risks." But in reality they are saying don't take foolish risks.  Wisdom is always called for.  Knowing God's will is crucial.  Staying in tune with the Holy Spirit for direction is imperative. Fellowship with other believers who help one another confirm what we believe God is calling us to - no matter how humanly crazy it may seem - is priceless.  God's Word, Spirit, and people all will keep us in position to take risks that will bring glory to God. 

Don't Play It Safe #24

Proverbs 3 is a place we go for comfort and security, but it is not a place where we are told not to take risks for God.  If we look at the verses before and after, we find where true security comes from: 

3 Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you;
    bind them around your neck;
    write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 So you will find favor and good success
    in the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
    and do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him,
    and he will make straight your paths.
7 Be not wise in your own eyes;
    fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.
8 It will be healing to your flesh
    and refreshment to your bones.

Security begins in when we ourselves are faithful, always putting God and others first.  It begins with a humility of heart that trusts in His care and direction.  It starts when we choose to get off the path of evil and live life openly in God's presence seeking to obey Him.  When we do so we will have confidence that we are on the right path and under His protective care.  We will be renewed and refreshed as we take each step.  

Don't Play It Safe #23

Proverbs is full of warnings about living carelessly and foolishly.  But that does not mean that one is to never take risks and always "play it safe". Consider the opening verses of Proverbs 19:

1 Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity
    than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool.
2 Desire without knowledge is not good,
    and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way.
3 When a man's folly brings his way to ruin,
    his heart rages against the Lord. Solomon makes it very clear that material success alone is not and proper evaluation tool in determining if a person has made the right decision and done the right thing.  What matters is the basis upon which one has made his or her decision and acted.  Decisions must be made and actions taken based upon sincerity of heart and speech, the knowledge of God and His will, and pure motives concerned about the will of God.  It is a poor decision and rash action when one is dishonest, uses his own wisdom, and has no concern with the Lord's will on the matter.  It is very possible (and even more often common?) for God's people to be poor, proceed taking risks after humble prayer, and then trust in God even when things have not gone "the way they wanted.  How much are we willing to trust Him?

Don't Play It Safe #22

In Psalm 77, after crying out and wondering if God had abandoned him, the Psalmist answers in the next verse: 

10 Then I said, “I will appeal to this,
    to the years of the right hand of the Most High.”

11 I will remember the deeds of the Lord;
    yes, I will remember your wonders of old.
12 I will ponder all your work,
    and meditate on your mighty deeds.
13 Your way, O God, is holy.
    What god is great like our God?
14 You are the God who works wonders;
    you have made known your might among the peoples.
15 You with your arm redeemed your people,
    the children of Jacob and Joseph. 

Remembering the Faithfulness of God, His works, and His ways brings the psalmist back to his senses.  There was no reason to doubt God's presence, faithfulness, or ways.  God had been consistent and still was.  Yes, circumstances change.  Challenges do come up, especially if we are willing to take risks in a journey of faith.  But God is building a story of which He is allowing us to be a part.  The only way we will find our full part is when in faith we step out and step into our role.

Don't Play It Safe #21

One of the most challenging statements Jesus made on taking risks is found in Luke 10:

25 And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” 27 And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” 28 And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.”

The man was asking Jesus where he should invest his eternity.  Should he trust in his own ability to keep God's Law?  It seemed like the safe bet: just keep the list.  Jesus shook his soul when He narrowed it down from the "whole law" even past the "big 10" to the Reader's Digest Two: Love God and your neighbor to the max. From a human perspective if one broke a few of the multitude of commandments in Deuteronomy it still would be possible to get a passing grade.  One could easily miss even 2 or 3 of the 10 and pass.  But if there were only two, missing one would be a failing grade.  The man shows his fear of making the wrong choice, of taking a risk, when it says:

29 But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 

Jesus was calling this man, and us, to take the risk of trusting in Him, and not our own abilities, to please God and "earn" eternal life.  It's not as "easy" as keeping a list of rules.  It is daily getting up and saying: "I'm going to trust you Lord, no matter what happens, no matter who the "neighbor" is you bring my way, no matter the call you give to live for you today.  Are we willing to take that risk?

Don't Play It Safe #20

I Samuel 4:5 As soon as the ark of the covenant of the Lord came into the camp, all Israel gave a mighty shout, so that the earth resounded. 6 And when the Philistines heard the noise of the shouting, they said, “What does this great shouting in the camp of the Hebrews mean?” And when they learned that the ark of the Lord had come to the camp, 7 the Philistines were afraid, for they said, “A god has come into the camp.” And they said, “Woe to us! For nothing like this has happened before. 8 Woe to us! Who can deliver us from the power of these mighty gods? These are the gods who struck the Egyptians with every sort of plague in the wilderness. 9 Take courage, and be men, O Philistines, lest you become slaves to the Hebrews as they have been to you; be men and fight.” 10 So the Philistines fought, and Israel was defeated, and they fled, every man to his home. And there was a very great slaughter, for thirty thousand foot soldiers of Israel fell. 11 And the ark of God was captured, and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, died.

We stop over here in our study only because it serves as a startling comparison.  These Philistines knew what they were up against; they knew that the "gods" of the Israelites had struck down the Egyptians and taken out every enemy in their path.  How could they ever stand? Yet, they took the risk and rallied themselves and engaged in battle and won.  This serves as a challenge to us as God's people. If those on the wrong side of God's power and will are willing to take the risk, why will we not do so with God on our side?  

Don't Play It Safe #19

 I Corinthians 16:3 Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done in love.

What a charge for the times.  As Paul was writing this church which was racked with problems of every kind: immorality, disorder, idolatry, compromise, and pride, He called on them to bring about a perfect balance of truth and love, rigged boldness and compassionate care, defensive alertness and receptive embrace.  We face a very similar challenge: to stand on the truth of God's word, allowing for no compromise, yet demonstrating the grace He has shown to us in Christ.  Paul said it as if it was not a problem, as easy as pie, but he knew otherwise.  He knew that it takes a commitment that will not let up and a heart that will not let people go on the way they are.  May we grasp these words as more than a motto, but as a constant standard for self-evaluation and re-adjustment to what God calls on us to do. 

Don't Play It Safe #18

In Proverbs 29, Solomon is making a series of contrasts between the way the wicked live and the way the righteous live their lives by faith, when he gets to the last few:

 25 The fear of man lays a snare,
    but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.
26 Many seek the face of a ruler,
    but it is from the Lord that a man gets justice.
27 An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous,
    but one whose way is straight is an abomination to the wicked

The first verse here is key, which the remaining ones add to it.  Playing it safe, taking no risks to do and stand for what is right, actually creates a situation where a person will fall and trip up. It's like the fact that the place a person is most likely to trip, fall, and get hurt is in their own home. The contrast is that one who steps out in faith in God will be watched over.  The next verse follows the same thinking: many think that the way to get what they want is by using politics and manipulation, but the righteous know it is by obeying God's rules and trusting in Him.  Finally, we rarely think about the fact that the wicked really can be convinced that they are right and the righteous are doing it all wrong - in fact seen as reprehensible to them. That fact may indeed be consoling to those who love and trust God, confirming that they are doing what is right, no matter how crazy it may seem to others.

Don't Play It Safe #17

As the writer of Hebrews looks back on those from the Hall of Faith, we cannot help but notice that these were people who took risks, as far back as the Patriarchs: 

11:7 By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.
8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God. 

Noah took a risk.  As he built the ark, he made himself and his family the laughing stock of the world around him.  In our day, people would have sought to have him committed.  He also spent years of his life, and his family's life, building this big boat, which if God's instruction did not come true, would have been a useless vessel to inherit.  

Abraham also took a risk, heading out from the place where his inheritance was.  He went to the land that God told him to, but also travelled around, trusting in God to give his descendants his inheritance in His time and way.  

Looking at both these men, and their families, and the succeeding examples that follow, we get a clear picture that living by faith, trusting God, following Christ, means taking risks of obedience. 

Don't Play It Safe #16

Matthew 14:28 And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Jesus had told His disciples to get into the boat and head to the other side of the sea. They followed His command, but found themselves in the middle of a life-threatening storm. Then then saw "Someone" walking on the water making faster progress than they were in the boat.  It was all very alarming. We often chide Peter for sinking in "faithlessness", but he was only doing what he believed Jesus was calling Him to do: come, follow Him.  It definitely made more sense than staying in a sinking ship!  Yes, it was "taking a risk", but who knows what lessons would not have been learned if he had not.  It is no surprise that later on Peter was the one who was first to verbalize his faith in Jesus as the Christ.  He took the risk and had Jesus pull him out of the sea.  

Don't Play It Safe #15

Now that we are over half-way through our series on being willing to take risks in serving God, we pause to be reminded that we are not talking about careless, reckless abandon. Nor are we talking about some kind of self-sufficient "I can do anything I want" foolishness under a supposed umbrella of "faith." That is make perfectly clear by Christ in Matthew 4:

  3 And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4 But he answered, “It is written,
“‘Man shall not live by bread alone,
    but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple 6 and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written,
“‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and
“‘On their hands they will bear you up,
    lest you strike your foot against a stone.’”
7 Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” 10 Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written,
“‘You shall worship the Lord your God
    and him only shall you serve.’”

When Christ took the bold step to come to earth, setting aside His manifest glory, He did not just snap His fingers anytime He was hungry.  When He went to the temple, He did not demand attention because it was His house.  When He stood on the mountainside to speak, He did not call on His listeners to bow before Him.  All of these would have been selfish sins.  If there is any verse here that sticks our in our study it is v.7: ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” "Not Playing It Safe" is not the same as foolishly and selfishly seeing or demanding God to protect us in our presumptive behavior; it is trusting Him to keep us safe when we respond in faith and obey His call on our lives.  It is living life in the balance. 

Don't Play It Safe #14

Jesus knew what it was to live with the uncertainties and stresses of daily life. He had heard all of the "what if?" questions. But He also knew better than any of us the power and love of His Father. Therefore, when He was challenging people to follow Him, He made this statement in Matthew 6:

 25 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, 29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little fait

It seems like an atmosphere of anxiety has settled upon our society and even the whole world. Everyone is waiting for the next bad thing to happen and seems to be stuck.  God did not make us to live that way. He made us and calls us back to a life where looking ahead should be filled with a sense of wonder in what God can and will do as He watches over us.  If we live in fear, the bird never flies; if we withdraw from life and its uncertainties the lily never even pushes through the dirt.  We miss out on so much of what God wants us to experience by trying to avoid risks and living by "What if's". What do you think God is calling you to but are afraid to do it?

Don't Play It Safe #13

One of the most dramatic parables of Jesus warns us about being "too careful" to "play it safe."  It is near the end of His ministry when He was intensifying His call to full obedience and faith. The Master had entrusted talents of gold to invest while He was away, and had now returned to see what they had done:

Matthew 25:22 And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me two talents; here, I have made two talents more.’ 23 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ 24 He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, 25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.’ 26 But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? 27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest.

The passage goes on to say that the third servant was actually severely punished for not taking a risk. Why? He had not obeyed his Master, which revealed an even deeper problem: he did not really know the Master.  If he had, he would have known that His master was loving and merciful and forgiving; He would not punish His servant for obeying Him, then suffering "loss".  He "feared" his Master rather than trusting Him and learning from Him and His abilities.  How much of our "playing it safe" is really not trusting God?

Don't Play It Safe #12

I

n II Kings 7 we have a dramatic event where more than one person took risks in obedience to God and saw Him do great things. The chapter begins:

1 But Elisha said, “Hear the word of the Lord: thus says the Lord, Tomorrow about this time a seah of fine flour shall be sold for a shekel, and two seahs of barley for a shekel, at the gate of Samaria.” 2 Then the captain on whose hand the king leaned said to the man of God, “If the Lord himself should make windows in heaven, could this thing be?” But he said, “You shall see it with your own eyes, but you shall not eat of it.”

The Syrians had squeezed the life out of the people of Jerusalem, taking all the food from their fields and their vineyards.  They had nothing left to give them strength.  Then Elisha spoke this promise from God: that the next day they would have plenty to eat. How was that possible? It would take months to raise any food.  If Elisha was wrong, he would face an angry mob.  But Elisha trusted God and spoke up. Next...

3 Now there were four men who were lepers at the entrance to the gate. And they said to one another, “Why are we sitting here until we die? 4 If we say, ‘Let us enter the city,’ the famine is in the city, and we shall die there. And if we sit here, we die also. So now come, let us go over to the camp of the Syrians. If they spare our lives we shall live, and if they kill us we shall but die.” 5 So they arose at twilight to go to the camp of the Syrians. But when they came to the edge of the camp of the Syrians, behold, there was no one there.  

This handful of men were the most desperate. Usually they would live off the leftovers people offered them, but in time of famine they had less than nothing.  But they were thinking clearly.  If they went to the Syrians, they could be rejected for two reasons: they were they enemy and they were lepers. They had the courage and clear thinking to do what no others would do: go out to ask for food.  If they had not done so, no one else would have thought to do so.  Because they did not play it safe, everyone ate that night. 

Don't Play It Safe #11

Psalm 32 begins with joy and thanksgiving over the blessings of forgiveness. David had learned these lessons well after trying in every way possible to hide his sin with Bathsheba. In the second half of this psalm, he then goes on to give the application and exhortation he wants to share with God's people:

 6 Therefore let everyone who is godly
    offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found;
surely in the rush of great waters,
    they shall not reach him.
7 You are a hiding place for me;
    you preserve me from trouble;
    you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah

8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
    I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
9 Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding,
    which must be curbed with bit and bridle,
    or it will not stay near you.
10 Many are the sorrows of the wicked,
    but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord.
11 Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous,
    and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!

We have been talking about not "playing it safe", but rather stepping out and "taking risks" for God and trusting Him.  The first stanza above reminds us that there is danger involved but that God surrounds us and answers our prayer.  We are not to go headstrong against all odds on our own. We need God's help and presence.  The second stanza then warns us against stubborn stupidity. God wants and will instruct us with the wisdom that we need; He will watch over us and guide us.  Real faith is calling out to and trusting in Him, not ourselves.

Don't Play It Safe #10

As we saw yesterday, Gideon took a little convincing and reassurance that God indeed was calling him to gather an army and fight against the Midianites to deliver His people, Israel.  Gideon did not say "no", but he did require confirmation that he had heard correctly.  When Gideon finally said "okay", God just didn't leave well enough alone...

Judges 7:2 The Lord said to Gideon, “The people with you are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hand, lest Israel boast over me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me.’ 3 Now therefore proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, ‘Whoever is fearful and trembling, let him return home and hurry away from Mount Gilead.’” Then 22,000 of the people returned, and 10,000 remained. 4 And the Lord said to Gideon, “The people are still too many. Take them down to the water, and I will test them for you there, and anyone of whom I say to you, ‘This one shall go with you,’ shall go with you, and anyone of whom I say to you, ‘This one shall not go with you,’ shall not go.” 5 So he brought the people down to the water. And the Lord said to Gideon, “Every one who laps the water with his tongue, as a dog laps, you shall set by himself. Likewise, every one who kneels down to drink.” 6 And the number of those who lapped, putting their hands to their mouths, was 300 men, but all the rest of the people knelt down to drink water. 7 And the Lord said to Gideon, “With the 300 men who lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hand, and let all the others go every man to his home.” 8 So the people took provisions in their hands, and their trumpets. And he sent all the rest of Israel every man to his tent, but retained the 300 men. And the camp of Midian was below him in the valley.

In short, God had Gideon narrow down his army to less than one percent of its original size, making them greatly outnumbered by the Midianites. All of a sudden, the risk became much greater.  Yet, Gideon did as the LORD commanded and God won the victory.  Many times, it seems the greater the risk, the greater the victory, and the deeper our faith becomes.  When God calls, don't play it safe. 

Don't Play It Safe #9

Judges 6:15 And he said to him, “Please, Lord, how can I save Israel? Behold, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house.” 16 And the Lord said to him, “But I will be with you, and you shall strike the Midianites as one man.” 17 And he said to him, “If now I have found favor in your eyes, then show me a sign that it is you who speak with me. 18 Please do not depart from here until I come to you and bring out my present and set it before you.” And he said, “I will stay till you return.”

It's interesting to observe that as we survey scripture just about everyone called by God to do something had reservations: they questioned whether they were really supposed to do something risky - like go to war with the Midianites.  We see that a lot with Gideon.  More than once he sought conformation that God was talking with the right guy.  He felt totally incompetent and unprepared.  Like Moses, he thought: "I can't do this."  But once again, the LORD said: "I will be with you." Gideon wisely begged: "Lord, don't give up on me yet; I just need to be sure.  We often criticize Gideon for this, but do we really think we would have done any different? The fact is that Gideon did step out, take the risk, and see the Lord get the victory through him.  That's what God asks of all of us. He calls us, then prepares us, making us ready.  We just need to stop playing it safe and doing nothing. 

Don't Play It Safe #8

As we get near the end of the book of Deuteronomy, it becomes apparent that it was now time for the people to finally enter the Promised Land. It was also obvious that Moses was not going to let them into it. Therefore, a new leader was required, and again, the obvious choice was Joshua, who had faithfully served God and Moses the whole time, never doubting God's ability.  So Moses calls him forward to give him the charge, knowing that it would not be any easier getting the people into the land than it was getting them out of Egypt.  Just as Israel had been ensnared in Egypt, many nations and peoples were entrenched in the land Israel was to occupy.  It would be very tempting to just stay where they were. After all, God had faithfully provided food and water, safety and peace. Why take the risk of losing it all, even their lives?

Deuteronomy 31:7 Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you shall go with this people into the land that the Lord has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall put them in possession of it. 8 It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”

Why proceed? It was God's plan.  His presence was no longer to hover over them in the camp; He was going to lead them forward.  God was in their future, not just their past.  Moses makes  the same promise here we saw the other day, which the writer of Hebrews repeats near the end of his sermon: God will never leave or forsake His people when they are moving forward doing what He has called them to do. That same promise holds true today.  To not step out in faith is to remove oneself from that promise.

Don't Play It Safe #7

Job and his "friends" had been having quite the discussion about Job's recent disasters: "Why had they happened? What could he have done to avoid them? What should he do now?" When we come to the final chapter, Job finally sees things clearly.  

 Job 42: Then Job answered the Lord and said:
2 “I know that you can do all things,
    and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.
3 ‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’
Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand,
    things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.
4 ‘Hear, and I will speak;
    I will question you, and you make it known to me.’
5 I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear,
    but now my eye sees you;
6 therefore I despise myself,
    and repent in dust and ashes.”

It was not so much what Job did, could have done, or could do; it was what he believed about God and what He could do.  He was to move forward in life as he had before: taking the risks of having children, doing business, and living according to God's standards, believing that God loved him and was capable of carrying out His perfect plan for his life.  Job and his friends had been having all this discussion without God and considering what He is wanting and able to do.  Job now invites God into the conversation and willingly submits himself afresh to God's plan.  By the end of the chapter, things are better than ever. Life is indeed worth taking the risk of living. 

Don't Play It Safe #6

 

I Chronicles 28:20 Then David said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous and do it. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the Lord God, even my God, is with you. He will not leave you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of the Lord is finished. 

David had just finished giving Solomon instructions about all the instructions God had given him concerning the building of the temple.  God had big plans, and so did David  - but not for him, but for his son.  This was no mere building project; this needed to be worthy of God and his presence.  There must have been many things that were intimidating to Solomon about following in the footsteps of his father: the great warrior, the great king, the man after God's own heart.  But in a sense, this was the big singular challenge of His life: build the temple and build it right so that God would be glorified, His people would be in awe in worship, and the nations of the world would be drawn to come see it.  Therefore, David challenged Him to step out boldly and take action.  He said those assuring words we all need to hear: God will not leave you or forsake you. In short, he said: Be strong and courageous and do it. Don't back down.

Don't Play It Safe

Ecclesiastes 10:8 He who digs a pit will fall into it,
    and a serpent will bite him who breaks through a wall.

9 He who quarries stones is hurt by them,

    and he who splits logs is endangered by them.

10 If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge,

    he must use more strength,

    but wisdom helps one to succeed.

We saw yesterday in chapter 11 that life requires us to take risks, even when we don't know what lies on the other side of those choices.  This verse appears in the chapter before and gives us some of the thought that was in the background of chapter 11.  Taking a risk could lead to harm or even be fatal.  But rather than being a deterrent to taking risks, this verse is actually surrounded by things that minimalize the negative potential of taking those risks - statements like verse 4 If the anger of the ruler rises against you, do not leave your place, for calmness will lay great offenses to rest.

In other words, if you find yourself in trouble, don't run away or lash out; stay calm.  This chapter if full of statements about choosing wisely when it comes to your words or doing things at the proper time, which will keep you from "falling into the pit or getting bit" more often than you would because you are acting or speaking foolishly.  Taking risks is not the same as being foolish; it is moving forward and trusting God in what He has shown you what He wants you to do.  There may be pains and struggles along the way, but they will be bearable because you know you're in God's will. 

Don't Play It Safe #4

 

Ecclesiastes 11:1 Cast your bread upon the waters,
    for you will find it after many days.
2 Give a portion to seven, or even to eight,
    for you know not what disaster may happen on earth.
3 If the clouds are full of rain,
    they empty themselves on the earth,
and if a tree falls to the south or to the north,
    in the place where the tree falls, there it will lie.
4 He who observes the wind will not sow,
    and he who regards the clouds will not reap.
5 As you do not know the way the spirit comes to the bones in the womb of a woman with child, so you do not know the work of God who makes everything.
6 In the morning sow your seed, and at evening withhold not your hand, for you do not know which will prosper, this or that, or whether both alike will be good.

If there is one short summary of the above well-known advice, it is this: "Don't live life gripped with fear." We have to take risks at times, not knowing where that path will lead us.  God is ultimately in control, and if our goal is ultimately to please Him, then we will do well.  That does not mean we will have no failures or losses, nor that storms will not come upon us, but we cannot be frozen in our footsteps taking no action. This is not an invitation to reckless foolishness, but it does mean doing and saying things at times that some would consider to be foolish.  As Paul tells us, to this world the things of Christ often seem foolish, but they really are not; they are steps of faith and obedience, taking risks to see what great things God has in store.  Don't play life too safe.  

Don't Play It Safe #3

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

At first glance, these well-known verses may not seem to apply to taking risks and not playing it safe. But in the context of the whole letter, it makes perfect sense.  Paul was writing to them from prison, telling them why he was there: he risked everything to live for Christ and spread His gospel.  Yet, he had joy.  He did not allow the stresses, persecution, and discomforts of prison steal his joy. He faced them courageously with prayer and thanksgiving, not allowing any of them to avoid taking risks when God called him to do something.  There is in fact a real sense that we will never experience the full joy of the Lord (and peace), if we are not willing to step out and throw caution to the wind.  This is not being "unreasonable", but in fact makes perfect sense. It is what Christ did when He came down to earth (see chapter 2) and what others like Timothy and Epaphroditus had done when they joined Paul in His crazy, dangerous journey of faith in Christ. May we know the joy that comes from taking risks and following Christ. 

Don't Play It Safe #2

John 14: 25 “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. 28 You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. 29 And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe. 30 I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me, 31 but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here.

As Jesus talked with His Apostles in the upper room, He made a lot of disturbing statements - especially about His going away.  There they were together, in Jerusalem, on the holiest night of the year, making memories.  But now He was about to thrust them out into the world, where they were going to have to do it all without His physical presence. He would not be with them to take the lead, correct their mistakes, or make the major decisions.  They were not always going to feel so comfortable, safe, and secure. But the fact was and is that He would never leave them, and His peace would always be with them through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit.  This was not to make them, or us, feel more independent, but to be a constant reminder that when something doesn't seem safe, He will keep us safe, if it's what He's calling us to do.  Going out in His name is one of those things.  

Don't Play It Safe! #1

I Timothy 1:3 I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. 4 As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. 6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, 7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

I can remember when our kids went out, be it riding a bike or driving a car, we would always give them some word of warning: to look both ways, to not speed, and to "err on the side of caution."  That is good parenting advice, but sometimes in life we need to "throw caution to the wind", and to step out in courage and faith, obeying God's bold call to live out our faith.  Upon recently reading Eric Metaxas Letter to the American Church, my heart and mind have been stirred to think that we have been "playing it safe" too much and too long, and it's time to really step out, step up, and speak out our faith more boldly. So, over the next few weeks we are going to look at passages, some which are well-known and some that are not so much so, which are a call to live out loud and not play it safe.  Timothy's faith was evident and well-grounded, yet sometimes timid.  Paul here exhorted him what God had called him to do - especially now that he had such responsibility and influence in the church: He needed to not "play it safe," but allow the power of God to be seen as his lovingly spoke and lived boldly.  May we be stirred by the truths we will see these next few weeks to step up as well. 

How to Get Exiled #24

 

I Timothy 5:3 Honor widows who are truly widows. 4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God. 5 She who is truly a widow, left all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day, 6 but she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives. 7 Command these things as well, so that they may be without reproach. 8 But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

In this practical book on church order, Paul instructed Timothy to make sure widows were properly cared for - first by their families, then by their church family.  He goes on to get more specific about how and when and why widows would receive such aid from their church, but the big picture is this: God honors the widow and so should we.  These teaching have ramifications both for the individual believer and the church; failure to carry through on them will speak volumes are where we are in our relationship with God and have an impact on the success of our carrying out His will as the church and in our own lives.  Such things take us deeper into our motives and if we truly do love and trust God. 

How to Get Exiled #23

Acts 6:1 Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6 These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them. 7 And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.

We see here the transference of the care for widows from the Old Testament Jewish people to the Church.  It was something that the Gentile converts had n background in, but upon coming to Christ immediately saw God's heart and reason for caring for them.  In the Law, God had connected the prosperity of Israel to their obedience to His commands for such care.  Here we see a direct connect between the success of the Church to their consistency in this matter.  How much do we sacrifice due to our neglect of God's principles? 

How to Get Exiled #22

Luke 7:11 Soon afterward he went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a great crowd went with him. 12 As he drew near to the gate of the town, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow, and a considerable crowd from the town was with her. 13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” 14 Then he came up and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” 15 And the dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. 16 Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” and “God has visited his people!” 17 And this report about him spread through the whole of Judea and all the surrounding country.

People were still trying to figure Jesus out.  He was an astounding teacher who knew and kept the Law, yet seemed to "bend the rules" at times.  He could command a crowd, but also take time for individuals. You never knew when or why He would stop to focus on one person.  Here He came to a place near where He had grown up, where some might know Him.  In His response to this widow He demonstrated great compassion.  He also came dangerously close to touching a dead body - a legalistic no-no. (Some would argue that what He did made Him unclean.) He then raised her son from the dead - just as Elijah had done.  This was not some random, meaningless act of omnipotence; it was an act revealing the heart of God for widows.  Most in the crowd were only wowed, but some got the picture: God really does care about us - especially the most needy.   So should we.

How to Get Exiled #21

Mark 12 38 And in his teaching he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes and like greetings in the marketplaces 39 and have the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, 40 who devour widows' houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.” 41 And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. 42 And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. 43 And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. 44 For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

In the background of this encounter was a discussion Jesus had earlier with these religious leaders about widows.  They were frustrated that God said they had to marry them if the Old Testament laws of redemption applied to them. That is in the back of Jesus' mind when He now goes on the attack.  He chides them for going around trying to look religious, while in reality they were oppressing widows. They were not His heroes.  To drive things home, he stood watching and waiting people give their alms - some big and some small - and their attitudes as they gave.  It was not the big, rich guys that impressed Him, and therefore God; it was the widow who came and gave joyfully, thankfully, and sacrificially. She was the one who demonstrated true faith.

How to Get Exiled #20

Psalm 68:
4 Sing to God, sing praises to his name;
    lift up a song to him who rides through the deserts;
his name is the Lord;
    exult before him!
5 Father of the fatherless and protector of widows
    is God in his holy habitation.
6 God settles the solitary in a home;
    he leads out the prisoners to prosperity,
    but the rebellious dwell in a parched land.

In this psalm of praise David celebrates the God who scatters the enemies of His people.  He reaches deep down into the character of God, recognizing why God does the things He does.  He is always watching out for the disadvantaged, like the fatherless and widows, the poor and lonely.  He also stands against the proud, the rebellious, and the oppressor.  Once again, when we are drawn to the character of God, we get a glimpse of His intention for His people to follow suite, to share His heart, to be a people of compassion, following Him to the place of peace, joy, and provision.  

How to get Exiled #19

Job 31:

 16 “If I have withheld anything that the poor desired,
    or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail,
17 or have eaten my morsel alone,
    and the fatherless has not eaten of it
18 (for from my youth the fatherless grew up with me as with a father,
    and from my mother's womb I guided the widow),
19 if I have seen anyone perish for lack of clothing,
    or the needy without covering,
20 if his body has not blessed me,
    and if he was not warmed with the fleece of my sheep,
21 if I have raised my hand against the fatherless,
    because I saw my help in the gate,
22 then let my shoulder blade fall from my shoulder,
    and let my arm be broken from its socket.
23 For I was in terror of calamity from God,
    and I could not have faced his majesty.

As Job thinks back over his life, he is doing to true examination of how he had lived, trying to see if there was not only anything he had done which had led to his recent disasters, but also if there was anything he had failed to do - including failing to care for widows in their hour of distress. He honestly was not able to think of any. Otherwise, he would never have stood before God and worshipped with a clear conscience and a clean heart. Like Job, we need to come back to seeking the heart of God above all else, Who truly does have a heart for the widow.  If we do not, then we do not have His heart, which is the deeper issue.