During a recent staff meeting we read through a bit of Joshua about being courageous risk takers and reflected on how God is calling us to move spiritually, conversationally, relationally, and financially.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9
Here are some risks that we think are worth taking.
Spiritual Risks
- Abandon our agenda/distance yourself from comfort.
- Humble ourselves—goes against our flesh to not be filled with self.
- Pray risky prayers.
- Invest time in eternal things.
- Listen to God and do what He says—obey Him.
- Consider it JOY in trials.
- Utilize the power of testimony (yours and others’).
- Form risky relationships for the sake of advancing the gospel.
- Walk in spiritual disciplines (fasting, prayer, Bible reading) instead of other things (“Meditate day and night”).
- Seek spiritual wisdom from others who can speak into your life (accountability).
- Know God’s Word.
- Be doers of the Word not just hearers.
- Walk with God in such a way that it’s enough for you to have just enough light for the step you’re on. Trust God for the rest.
- Identify spiritual warfare and respond to it.
- Walk in unconditional love and be willing to be vulnerable.
- Follow Christ with ALL your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
Conversational Risks
- Be willing to say hard things.
- Be a better listener.
- Have intentional conversations.
- Be responsive to what you see around you.
- Be selfless with your time.
- Use discernment in order to ask “next level” questions (going deeper, not just having surface conversations).
- Ask creative questions.
- Remember: people over screens!
- Create space for conversations.
- Push past the awkward moments.
- Be willing to move out of your comfort zone (cross generations, cultures, affinities, etc.).
Relational Risks
- Be faithful in relationships—don’t give up on people.
- Go deeper in asking follow-up questions.
- Be persistent.
- Take the first step…then the second…and so on.
- Help a stranger.
- Show hospitality with openness and trust.
- Be honest and transparent.
- Slow down enough to serve and sacrifice.
- Develop diverse relationships.
- Take initiative without be prompted.
- Listen to the Holy Spirit.
- Ask someone for help if you need it.
- Offer to pray with/for someone.
- Love and forgive those who have hurt you. Reconcile broken relationships.
Financial Risks
- Title 10% (or more).
- Be good stewards while trusting God to provide.
- Hold loosely to the nest egg.
- Acknowledge that all your resources are from God and for God.
- Pray for God’s wisdom in using money.
- Set a “blessings budget” to be intentional with giving.
- Teach your children about giving.
- Give your time too—don’t avoid serving because you think it’s enough to give money.
- Don’t give with “strings attached” or ulterior motives.
- “Live Simply so that others can Simply Live.”
