TAKING A RISK

 

TAKING A RISK

 

Whatever was to my profit I now consider loss
for the sake of Christ (Phil. 3:7 NIV).

 

When I was a boy, my friends and I often played "Follow the Leader." We formed a line and everyone had to do what the leader did — run, jump, swing from a limb, balance on a ledge, jump over the creek. I remember sometimes hesitating before some particularly daring feat, while those who had already accomplished it would call, "Come on! It's easy!" Finally, gathering all my courage I would "follow", only to discover that it was as easy as my friends had said. Then I would stand with them and taunt the others. How quickly we forgot the risk once we had accomplished our goal!

 

The Apostle Paul found he had to let go of the old in order to have the new. He had to give up his former treasures in order to experience the treasure found in Jesus. Nothing was worth anything, compared to the riches found in Christ. People who are considering "taking the plunge" and becoming a Christian may think it too risky. They cannot imagine giving up their bad habits and shady practices to make the leap over to God's side.

 

But Jesus promises abundant life. Anything given up for Him will be repaid many times over — if not in this life, then in the life to come. He is the "pearl of great price" (Matt. 12:46 KJV).

 

Life response: What earthly losses am I willingto suffer in order to make heavenly gains?