what is Risk?
Every decision is a risk. When you turn left, you miss out on the right. When you move up, you don't know what may have been down. Every move in life risks something. We usually navigate these risks thoughtfully with an attempt to shrink them and aim them. If there's a big payoff, we might risk more. If we feel that the risk isn't worth the reward, we pump the brakes. in this way, our risks reveal our desires.
do you risk for others? does your small group risk for one another? when we risk for another person or for a group, we show that group that the potential gain is worth the potential harm.
a new attender to our church has joined your small group. after the meeting one week, they ask if it would be okay if they opened in prayer the following week. you consider the idea. it's unclear if they are a believer. it's unclear if they are a mature and trustworthy person. you've only just met them! in your attempt to create a strong small group, it feels like quite a risk to let this new person pray. What's the risk? well, what if they say something crazy? what if everyone thinks I'm okay with their crazy prayer? what if they offend someone and i have to clean in up? oohhh boy...risky! what's the reward? affirmation. inclusion. grace. encouragement. opportunity. the list goes on.
when we risk for each other, we reveal our desire. when i risk for you, i say, "you're worth it".
do you risk for others? does your small group risk for one another? when we risk for another person or for a group, we show that group that the potential gain is worth the potential harm.
a new attender to our church has joined your small group. after the meeting one week, they ask if it would be okay if they opened in prayer the following week. you consider the idea. it's unclear if they are a believer. it's unclear if they are a mature and trustworthy person. you've only just met them! in your attempt to create a strong small group, it feels like quite a risk to let this new person pray. What's the risk? well, what if they say something crazy? what if everyone thinks I'm okay with their crazy prayer? what if they offend someone and i have to clean in up? oohhh boy...risky! what's the reward? affirmation. inclusion. grace. encouragement. opportunity. the list goes on.
when we risk for each other, we reveal our desire. when i risk for you, i say, "you're worth it".
