Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Whatever it Takes?

I want your opinions. I want your insight. I'm asking for it. Please help me out? I really don't know what to think on this one...

In short, my question is this: should we really have a "whatever it takes" approach to sharing the gospel? Do we really believe that it's worth risking everything, even our lives, for? Before you say a quick "yes," consider this: What about when our decisions seem wreckless and even stupid? Should we proceed anyway for the sake of an opportunity to tell someone about Jesus?

Foreign missionaries are praised for going into dangerous territories and risking their very lives for the name of Jesus. Here in America, it is not illegal or necessarily dangerous to profess to be a Christian or to tell people about Him. I can't say I've encountered many situations where I had to decide between safety and sharing Jesus. Even when I went to Brazil and we were in rough parts of town, I don't think I was in any immediate danger.

But what about situations that are potentially very dangerous even here in America? These days it's hard to trust anyone: anything can happen. Should we stay away from rough neighborhoods because of the possible danger? Should we refuse to give the homeless man a ride because we have no clue about his sincerity? Is it our job to ask ourselves that or do we leave it up to God to do what He wants with the situation. I've been taught all my life that doing such a thing is completely unsafe, wreckless, and stupid. Don't do it. But how do we match that with whatever it takes?

I am sincerely asking here. I don't mean to sound arrogant with my questions. I realize that there are "smart" ways to go about those situations, like taking people with you. But what if that's not an option, or what if numbers don't really matter all that much as far as safety goes? Do we turn away or run head first into it, trusting along the way that God is sovereign?

Is it not His will for us to put ourselves in dangerous situations? I am convinced He wants above all else for His fame to be spread, that more people would know the saving name of Jesus. If that means risking our lives for that, then so be it. What's the balance? I really would like to hear different perspectives on this... especially regarding Scripture references that could point me in the right direction...

Thanks in advance. Love you guys!

http://www.relevantmagazine.com/god/mission/features/22028-how-much-should-we-risk
--Here is one perspective I've looked at...

4 comments:

  1. Becca I believe that God is in control of every aspect of our lives. He uses ordinary people for His purposes. No matter where you are, He is there to guide you to do what He wants you to do. If you are seeking his will and are doing what you believe he asks you to do, then come what may. It is where you are that makes a difference that you are doing the will of the Father. I read the above site and agree. God is supreme and just like Jonah, He asks us to obey and then He goes with us. Read Jonah!

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  2. Thanks for your input! :) The response I'm getting (and as I pray through it, I think I'm understanding a little better) is that AS GOD LEADS we go wherever He leads... It's the question of Him leading or us leading. He will lead where His purposes will be accomplished... even Jesus withdrew when there was danger present in some cases because His work on earth was not done (Matt 12:14-15). I guess there is no right or wrong answer, but in the end it is good for us to consider how far we would go for Him...

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  3. We discussed this in our small group the other night. God has a purpose for us all. We are put here on this earth not to serve ourselves but to serve our Savior. I like to think of it this way we are all part of a customized tool set. Each tool has a specific task. Some tools are meant to do more than one thing while others are meant to do only one thing. God uses each one of us as a tool. We don't do the work ourselves we are just instruments He uses to complete His bigger plan. If that means we are put in risky and iffy situations then we are put in risky and iffy situations. Psalm 118:6 is a good verse for this. If our hearts are in tune with God's heart then we will know what we are made to do and when we are supposed to do it. Hebrews 13:6 is another good verse. But I guess what it really comes down too is one question..."What are we willing to risk in order to bring people to Christ?" If its our life...Jesus laid His down for us.

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  4. Thanks for pointing out those scripture references... I was thinking along those lines as well. Again, I think the main thing is going wherever the Spirit leads... and that's for no one else to decide but you and God when it's all said and done. Without God, going into dangerous situations is completely stupid. But with God, like the scriptures say, "What can man do to me?" As the old saying goes, "The safest place to be is in His will." He is our Shield...

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