LSEM > Devotions > Much to Risk

Much to Risk

  • September 18, 2019
  • Posted by: Carolyn Mahal
  • Category: Devotions
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People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them. – Mark 10:13-16

Here are a few questions I’d like you to consider…

 When was the last time you laughed uncontrollably?

When was the last time you cried inconsolably?

When was the last time you learned something you never knew before?

When was the last time you experienced something that you will never forget?

As adults living fast-paced, high stress lives, we might have to take some time to think about when each of the things last happened.  So, are you ready for some irony?  A typical five-year old child did all of these things today before noon.

Many people go through life feeling emotionally detached from the world around them.  This may be unintentional or deliberate, but it’s all too real.  We separate ourselves from life’s joys and sorrows trying to keep the status quo.  We brush aside opportunities to learn, to feel and to grow due to a lack of time, a lack of understanding, or a lack of interest.  No matter what the rationale, we are leaving a big portion of our lives unlived.  Why is that?

I think many of us (myself included) live lives where our primary goal is the management of risk.  As parents, we err on the side of caution when it comes to the health and well-being of our kids.  As good stewards of our resources, we carefully budget and plan how we spend money.  We schedule our days carefully so that we don’t waste our time or allow any opportunities for activity to pass us by.  We grow and mature and become so skilled at managing risk that we simply forget how to take one. 

This is not what we were created to do.  Think about the lives the apostles led.  Did they manage risk, or did they step boldly in faith?  God didn’t create us to be reckless, but we were made to be His special creation; designed in love to carry out the awesome plan that He has for your life in boldness and free from fear, shame, guilt, and error.   These are the things that make us peculiar in the world, and that is why many people do their best to stifle it.

This is a shame, because we are missing out on a great deal of what life has to offer us.  For example, a five-year old doesn’t care what others might think of her emotional reactions to life.  Her joys, sorrows, hurts, and celebrations are hers to savor and to share.  Others are welcome to join her, but they can’t deter her from displaying them – at least for now.  I think this is a big part of what Christ meant when he described the faith of a child.  It’s not only about keeping it simple and being committed and obedient, but it is also about being open to the fullness of what God wants us to feel.  This begins today for us as we set out on a path that will lead us to risk much, but our faith is unwavering in the One who saved us by His sacrifice.  May He bless you, bless me, and fill us with joy every moment of every day of our lives.

 

Devotion by Richard Schumacher

LSEM director of Programs & Services