Lydia Klassen, MA, LCPC
News of the conflict between Israel and Gaza and the natural disasters in numerous countries in the past year has been disturbing to learn about. Many start asking questions about the meaning of suffering in the world, but there is another big question to wrestle with as believers. How do we live with risk, big or small, to ourselves and our families, as we seek to faithfully serve the Lord?
Some of us may be quick to dismiss the risks involved with the ministry we do. Others become caught up with trying to prevent any possible harm coming to them. Neither extreme is healthy and can lead to tensions between those that have differing levels of risk tolerance.
Consider these risk myths that Dr. Anna Hampton (2014), long-time worker in a high-risk area, outlines for us:
Myth 1 You are never safer than when you are at the center of God’s will. Correction: When called by God to unsafe places, we don’t let fear paralyze us because God is always with us (Deut 6:5; Josh 1:9; Ps 91; Is 43; Luke 10:27; Matt 22:37).
Myth 2 The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church. Correction: The blood of Christ is the seed of the Church (2 Sam 4:11; Ps 72:14; 79:3,10; Is 26:21; Joel 3:21; Rev 6:10; 17:6; 18:24). The “seed” of the church is God’s Spirit working through his people to bring people to him (Mark 1:8; Jn. 1:33-34; Acts 1:4-5).
Myth 3 Escape or deliverance is the priority. Correction: The Lord’s eyes are on us; he will instruct us in the way we should go. (Job 34:21; Ps 32:8; Prov 27:10; Heb 11:1-39).
Myth 4 You must be building up all kinds of reward because of the risks you are taking. Correction: We will be rewarded for our faithful, joy-filled obedient endurance to our last breath (Matt 24:13; Heb 10:35).
Myth 5 Just keep a positive mental attitude and everything will be okay. Correction: We can always have hope because our hope is in God, not in our circumstances (Is 52:12; Hosea 2:14-15; Heb 6:19-20).
Myth 6 We’re not really risking, are we? Correction: In risk we experience short-term losses. Risk is real and to be expected. Biblical values call for it to be evaluated and often mitigated (Prov 27:12; Matt 10, 24).
Myth 7 We’ve already counted the cost. Correction: We know ministry will be costly; we will continue to count the cost in each stage of life and situation and follow Jesus with joy.
Myth 8 Faith is proportional to the amount of risk. Correction: Faith is persistently obeying Christ whatever the risk.
Myth 9 If something bad happens, it’s because I didn’t pray, work, and prepare enough. It’s my responsibility to be faithful and engage with God. Correction: I will pray and work. Even when bad things happen, I live with the unbreakable conviction Christ will bring justice with His imminent return.
Myth 10 Freedom means security. Correction: Security is not a feeling. My security is rooted Hebrews 11-12.
Myth 11. Risking is spiritual service. All this practical stuff is unnecessary. Correction: Even in the midst of the spiritual service and sacrifice of risk, Christ invites me to take practical steps to care for myself, my family and colleagues and to enter into His rest.
Myth 12 Suffering for Christ while fulfilling my cross-cultural calling always glorifies God. Correction: Living faithfully for Christ in whatever situation I am in always glorifies God.
Myth 13 Risk Assessment is unspiritual. Correction: Risk Assessment and Mitigation takes time but is spiritual service because it helps us be wise as serpents and innocent as a dove. (Matt 10:16, John 10:10, I Peter 5:8)
Myth 14 Disregarding your emotions demonstrates true faithfulness. Correction: As we let our fears drive us to God, we are able to choose faithful actions in the face of danger. This is the definition of faith, not lack of fear. (Ps 147:11; Ps 111:10; Luke 12:4-5)
Reference: Hampton, Anna E. (2016) Facing Danger: A Guide through Risk. New Prague, MN: Zendagi Press.
