Taking Risks for Christ

We started a new study of Ecclesiastes on Sunday. We looked at some verses that King Solomon wrote as an old man as his last word to God's people before He died. He stated thought-provoking ideas such as, "generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever" (1:4). He also said, "the eye never has enough of seeing, nor the ear its fill of hearing" (1:8). Finally, after living a life full of human-happiness-pursuits, he wrote, "I applied myself to the understanding of wisdom, and also of madness and folly, but I learned that this, too, is a chasing after the wind" (1:17).

Many of you are willing to take risks on the side of being disobedient or rude to your parents. Some of you are willing to take risks on the side of cheating at school. A few of you are even willing to risk self-destructive behavior that includes alcohol, drugs, or premarital sex. Some of you are in an inappropriate relationship with someone from the opposite sex that is not healthy and will adversely affect your future spouse.

The question I ask today is, "Have you ever thought about taking a risk for Christ?" You and I are so self-centered and full of pride that we are willing to take risks for sinful behavior because we either enjoy the adrenaline rush at being naughty, or we simply like rebelling against the status quo of authority and accountability in our lives. Youth always want "freedom" to make their choices unhindered by parents and authority figures.

King Solomon wrote about the importance of young people and obedience to parents in Proverbs. He said, "My son, keep your father's commands…when you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you" (6:20,22).

You may be accustomed to taking risks for evil and sin; however, God offers a life of risk for His kingdom. You put yourself at risk when you decide to stand up for righteousness and seek holiness. You take a risk when you break free from your bondage to sin and Satan's lies and let Jesus' blood cover your evil ways.

So, think about it. Are you willing to give up your little self-centered world where you think you are always right, humble yourself, and submit to the only resurrected Son of God who has the power to save your soul or throw you into the tortures of eternal hell? Or, will you be like everyone else your age and take risks for the wrong reasons?