I read on Facebook recently, someone explaining why they left one church group for another. They said they changed because things were more comfortable and secure with the new group. It got me thinking. Really? Is that what we sign up for as Christ followers – to be comfortable and secure?

Can you show me anywhere in the Bible where Jesus values comfort and security over laying down your life (John 15:13)? Where He says the top three things to bring you happiness are to be around people like you, make a lot of money, and be secure?

Tell that to the woman in Rwanda who worships next to the one who murdered her entire family in the genocide and then forgave her for it because she loves Jesus. Do you think she decided to follow Jesus because she wanted to be more comfortable? I don’t think so.

And what about the family who gave up everything they had to adopt a boy from Africa? The parents who struggle with language and cultural transitions every day because they heard Jesus say, “When you do it to the least of these, you do it to me.” (Matthew 25:40) Do you think they grabbed onto some comfort and security when they said yes?

Being a Christ follower is risky business.  He says things that are hard like, “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.” (Matthew 16:25)

He also says things like “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies.” (John 11:25)

I took a risk when I decided to follow Jesus as an adolescent. Because my spirit knew that there was more to life than what I experienced in a broken home of alcoholism, drug abuse and sexual promiscuity. 

I believe Him when says he is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). And I will continue to risk, than to follow the empty promises of comfort and security.

Why do you follow Jesus?

Joining Lisa-Jo for Five Minute Friday with the one word prompt: Risk. And pushing publish on this one is an embodiment of the word itself.

I’m also talking about sacred space over at Journey to Epiphany today. Come on over and join the conversation, link up your post, and read some great writers.