Walking a Spiritual Tightrope

“Grace is at a low ebb in the soul that is always inquiring about how far it may go in worldly conformity.” – C.H. Spurgeon

When we launched Risk Takers for Christ, one of the first things I did was design a logo. Actually, I described my idea to our very talented communications director, and she did the rest.

Simply put, I wanted a logo that epitomized what Risk Takers for Christ is all about: challenging believers to leave the relative safety of their spiritual comfort zones and to take what I call “sanctified risks” for God. And so, the concept I came up with – and which Rebekah Bailey made come to life – was an anonymous man walking along a ledge or a tightrope (see above).

During my 47 years as a Christian and my 37 years in ministry, I have discovered that most believers prefer to play things “close to the vest.” They have their eternal fire insurance, and they do their best to live good and godly lives, but they rarely (if ever) step out in faith. I guess that’s why I chose Hebrews 11:6 as our theme verse (see below).

Of course, that doesn’t mean that we should take uncalculated and haphazard risks in life. After all, in Luke 14, Jesus counseled his disciples to “count the cost” before starting a new building project… or any project for that matter. Likewise, Deuteronomy 6:16 commands, “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.” However, Jesus’ warning wasn’t meant to discourage or dissuade anyone from exercising bold and sacrificial faith. On the contrary, He was simply letting people know what the costs of real discipleship would be.

And so, my friend, the choice is yours. Do you want to conform to the world (see Romans 12:2) or be conformed to the image of Jesus (Romans 8:29)? In other words, do you want to be a true Risk Taker for Christ?

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV)

- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President