Living on the Edge

Have you noticed the proliferation of extreme reality shows on television? It would seem the new drug of choice is adrenalin. Folks seek out the sensation of having their hearts pound practically out of their chest, feeling blood rush to their brains, and gasping for breath. I have never been much of a risk taker, but I can understand the underlying quest for excitement and the head rush that accompanies it. Interestingly enough, this is not a new phenomenon. Folks have sought excitement throughout history. It is a part of our human nature. What has changed is that there are now a variety of new ways to experience that adrenalin rush.

Have you ever considered that one of the most extreme things that anyone can do is to live consistently and openly for Christ? I'm not talking about going to church and using Christian lingo, but actually living a Christ-like life. I'm talking about being willing to go against the flow of what's considered popular or politically correct to live your life for Jesus. It's easy to be a good Christian at church, or when you're surrounded by Christian friends, but what about when you're in school or at the mall or on the job?

There are Christians in other parts of our world who are suffering persecution and even death because of their faith in Christ. I cannot imagine that bungee jumping or hang-gliding could begin to provide the adrenalin rush caused by being chased by machine gun- or machete-wielding Christ haters. There are news reports virtually every day about religious persecution, pastors being imprisoned, Christians being beheaded, and churches being destroyed all over the world. Even with the unrest and much of the anti-American violence we see in the new every day, we truly have no idea how very good we have it here in America. In other parts of the world, living a life that is consistent with the teachings of Christ can and often does cost individuals their freedom and sometimes their very lives. Would you be willing to live according to God's standards no matter what it cost you?

If you're an adrenalin junkie, I challenge you to consider try the most extreme reality that I can imagine, which is living for Jesus 24/7. Despite the fact that we in America are still blessed with religious freedom, living for Jesus is not for the faint of heart. Ask someone who has done it consistently. They will likely tell you that it has cost them friends and sometimes family. They might tell you of times when they have been insulted or bullied when sharing their beliefs or taking a stand for what is right. Jesus warned Christians that we would be "persecuted for righteousness' sake," but He also reminded us that we will be blessed in proportion to how well we endure such persecution. (Matthew 5:10-12)

If you're one who loves to live on the edge and who craves adrenalin highs, let me challenge you to try the ultimate extreme! Try living for Jesus Christ for one full day in front of your family, your friends, and even strangers. Better yet, live a Christ-like life when no one is around, when it's just you and God! After all, the true test of godliness and Christian character is how one acts when no one but God is watching!