We live in a world full of risk. By that, I mean the probability exists that something unpleasant or unwelcome will happen. It is a given; a fact. Risk also involves exposure to danger and the increase or decrease in probability of a given outcome. Consciously and unconsciously we monitor and try to limit our exposure to risk. But are we practicing risk aversion in our spiritual lives as well?
When risk is mentioned most people think about life and health insurance or market exposure with their stocks. We try to control risk, hedge against it, and buy protection from it. There is a cost, but in paying the cost we hope to limit downside exposure to negative and catastrophic events in life. I’m afraid the probability for spiritual growth in many American Christians is limited due to risk aversion and hedging in their spiritual lives. Let’s face it, following Christ is risky business and to varying degrees we all know it’s true.
Christ may be “gentle and humble in heart” and his yoke may be “easy and my burden light”, but that was for followers who were all in. Jesus didn’t preach hedging your faith to avoid the unpleasant or unwelcome events. He didn’t recommend balancing your exposure to worldly danger or trying to avoid extreme or negative outcomes in this life. Quite to the contrary. “The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.” John 12:25. We love the American lifestyle so much we hedge against losing it. Every hedge costs something. Do you know what the cost to your faith really is?
This fleshes out when you or someone you know takes a mission trip to Ethiopia or Venezuela or anywhere outside the U.S. Believers come back on fire and refreshed. They see Christians in other parts of the world who don’t hedge their faith because they can’t hedge their faith…they are truly “sold out” and “all in” with Jesus. They HAVE to depend on Him for their daily bread, to stay alive or to protect their children. Mission trips remind you people elsewhere have a much more active and growing faith. Since we think we don’t need Him for that daily provision, our hearts can be hedged into a maze and our actions will follow.
In America, our affluence and influence can make our faith culturally irrelevant to our everyday lives. We know this but to change anything requires we take on more risk. In turn, we hedge eternity and our spiritual growth by only going to church occasionally, saying a hollow prayer asking for His blessing, writing a tithe check that meets a percentage but isn’t sacrificial or doing a Saturday morning “serve” in our spare time.
We hedge our commitment to our faith because to do otherwise might dictate a sacrifice of our lifestyle. If our daily needs are met, why NOT hedge our faith with the world that provides it? There is no draw to focus on verses that make us think otherwise. James 4:4 says, “You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God?” Who needs the risk that proposes?
Hedging is under scrutiny and attack everywhere. Politicians across the globe have felt this in spades. In the investment industry hedge funds don’t fully commit to being long or short, they hedge positions to protect themselves. Oh, yeah, that business model dies more every day. Although many will argue hedging and risk aversion is wise, it’s NOT with your spiritual life. The words in red remind us again, “So, because you are lukewarm- neither hot nor cold- I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” Revelation 3:16.
American Christians have too many distractions, too many hedges in their lives. As we get older we are reminded that our bodies are in a constant state of decline that require disciplined exercise and attention. Faith is the same way. It requires discipline to stay in shape as well. You’re either having your faith tested and worked out or you’re in a state of spiritual decline. There is no pause in the spiritual life, only perseverance.
Perseverance means remaining diligent and steadfast in doing something despite difficulty or delay. Perseverance doesn’t get a hedge to mitigate the unpleasant or difficult. And, it rewards for being convicted and committed regardless of the risk. It’s good to remember that perseverance is also tied directly to faith. “…because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish it’s work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1: 3-4.
So the reward of not hedging your faith may yield unpleasant trials and tribulations, but it delivers perseverance. When perseverance finishes it’s deal you are complete, not lacking anything. Dang, I don’t want to hedge against a full return of not lacking anything. If I hedge that, I WILL end up lacking some things…and I probably don’t get to choose what those things will be.
We need to be reminded that a loving Father who has EVERYTHING at His disposal, is NOT something we should hedge against. Our culture of affluence and influence and our desire to avoid the risks and worries of the rest of the world can present problems. We all remember the seed cast on soil that is full of distractions and thorns. “The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful.” Matthew 13:22.
In your desire to hedge against the risk you want to avoid, don’t hedge against the risks you should take. Your faith needs to be tested. Your faith needs risk. The rewards are worth it.