Are we suppose to Live Safely?

I have been pondering this issue of how sometimes, oftentimes we are told we need to be safe.  Ever since we were little kids everyone has told us be careful, be safe just like I do my own kids now.  But this issue of safety often becomes way to prevalent as we grow up and we always want to play it safe. And then our culture is so safety conscience that their is an entire government agency to make sure we stay safe.  Even in the church we build safe buildings, live in safe neighborhoods and go to safe schools.  We don't ever want to expose our kids to anything that is "unsafe". We grow up with this idea that safety is the way to go, but I am not sure we are always suppose to play it safe.  This seems to contradict a lot of the teaching we find in the scriptures.  

I don't know how anyone could read passages like Matthew 10 and think we are called to live it safely.  In this chapter Jesus is addressing his disciples.  He is giving them instructions for the "missions trip" he is sending them on.  Imagine going on a missions trip and receiving these instructions before you leave:

1. Don't take any money with you. Vs. 9
2. Don't take a bag with you. vs. 10
3. Don't take any extra clothes with you. vs. 10
4. I am sending you out and you will be like "sheep among wolves" Vs. 16
5. You will be flogged. Vs. 17
6. You will be arrested. Vs. 19
7. You will be hated by everyone. Vs. 22
8. You will be persecuted. Vs. 23
9. Don't be afraid of anyone because they can only kill your body. Vs. 28 

I am not sure too many people would be going on "mission's trips" if you got these instructions!

Jesus summarizes his teaching here in Matthew 10 this way in verses 37-39:

37 “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it."

What? These are some of the toughest verses in all of scripture to digest.  How could God want us to love Him more than anyone else?  How do we take up our cross.  What?? You want me to lose my life and if I lose it I find it?

These verses just don't make sense.  They don't make sense in the safety concerned culture we live in.  Or in any culture for that matter.  

But one thing is for sure.  Jesus did not call us to live safely.  He said pretty clearly that it might be pretty rough for you!  You could end up in prison or beaten.  You could end up shot or killed for your faith.

This isn't too far from what is happening in some parts of the world right now this very moment.  Why do we love safety and comfort so much?

Jesus is right. Life lived in safety and comfort is boring.  It is no life at all!  If you want to truly live he tells us to give up our life.  This means different things to different people.  For me and my family it meant selling all our stuff getting on  a plane and moving to Guatemala to serve Jesus there.  For most it doesn't mean that at all.

But don't live so safe that you lose out on all God has for you!  Take a step of faith.  Live Big and don't worry about being safe.  Yes wear your seat belt and eat healthy and don't let your kids play in the streets, but don't live in such a way that you miss out on the big blessing God has for your life.

Give up your safety and your comforts for the sake of moving forward the Kingdom of God!  You won't regret it!