Every choice comes with a cost – some clearly seen and accepted upfront, while others are unknown until after the decision is made. And, in this way, every choice includes a risk to enter the unknown. But while we cannot know every outcome, we still trust that some choices are worth the risk.
Of course, we should always do our best to make wise and reasonable choices – counting the cost of our decisions and promoting life and goodness every chance we get.
It’s foolish to get so caught up in the moment that we’re not considering the consequences of our actions.
At the same time, it’s cowardly to play it safe and not accept the necessary risks of life.
Without minimizing any of the danger, it’s still important not to let the fear of what might be outweigh the goodness and beauty also available.
Christ gives us life to the full, and, in big and small ways, living in the fullness of this gift is worth whatever risks that might come with it.
For instance, caring for a loved one who is sick comes with the risk we might get sick as well. But this is a risk we’re willing to take because of our love for them. In fact, we neglect our duty to love when we place our health and safety above serving them in their time of need.
And this is also true when we let the fear of what might be hold us back from blessing others with the presence, touch, and connection our souls need to thrive.
Likewise, we might risk our social status by befriending certain outsiders. But here again, this is a risk we’re willing to take to love our neighbor as ourselves.
The point here is not to put our head in the sand and become reckless in the choices we make. But it is a reminder they’re often weightier matters than the actual or perceived risks of our decisions.
And wisdom grounded in love should be our guide, rather than fear simply masquerading as concern and goodwill.
To be sure, count the cost of the decisions you make. And choose to love despite the risks. Its goodness is worth the risk.
Photo by Norbert Kundrak on Unsplash
