Risk And Reward

In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. (Proverbs 16:9)

If you have been walking with the Lord for any length of time, you have learned from personal experience that the theme of risk and reward is central to the Christian life. Jesus reminded His disciples there is a cost to following Him, and He crystallized that message with the following words:

Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. (Matthew 10:39)

When Jesus spoke of risk and reward, He was addressing an audience that fully understood the cost of being His disciple. The disciples risked a lot to follow Jesus – leaving jobs, security, families, and friends. And here is the key that unlocks the door leading to living a life like those early disciples: Because of what the disciples had witnessed in the life of Jesus, both in His words and His works, they knew whatever they risked was worth the reward. And what was their reward? One reward was eternal life, of course, but it was also everyday life — walking, talking, eating, and living with Jesus. For every disciple who chose to follow Jesus, the reward was well worth the risk.

Christian, search your heart: What are you willing to risk to develop a deeper relationship with Jesus? What are you willing to give up or lose for the privilege of walking with Jesus wherever He is leading you? Throughout the rest of your life, God will set before you opportunities that require you to risk personally, professionally, and relationally. You will have to make the decision whether the reward is worth the risk, but when the reward is more of Jesus, the answer is always “YES!”

And when you breathe your last, your greatest reward will be to stand in the presence of the Almighty and hear Him utter those two most meaningful words: “Well Done!” (Matthew 25:23).

This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!