Not Safe… But Good

Some time ago, I was listening to a Christian radio station on my way down to Sarasota. The announcer continually promoted the station by saying, “Safe for the whole family!”

And I get it. There are so many radio stations where the announcers might blurt out something very inappropriate for little ears. However, the word “safe” didn’t seem to fit a Christian station. The Christianity I know is anything but safe. 

I mean is Jesus safe? Does following him lead to a safe life? And, is the Bible really all that safe? Are all passages safe for the whole family?  

As I reflect on the lives of people who serve overseas as missionaries, those who go to dig wells or set up medical clinics, even those here at home who give beyond their means, those who serve in inner-city ministries, and others who work for peace and reconciliation, others still who risk offering forgiveness, I am reminded that a life of self-giving love and sacrifice can actually be pretty dangerous. 

In C.S. Lewis’s book, The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, the lion named Aslan represents Jesus. There is a scene in which one of the children asks Mr. Beaver about Aslan – whether or not Aslan is safe. “‘Safe?’ said Mr. Beaver; ‘don’t you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? Course he isn’t safe…But he’s good.’” 

Let us pray: Holy God, you call us to think beyond our own needs and concerns, to live for others, to take up our cross, and follow you. Move us again out of the safety of our comfort zones to a life of service – a life filled with meaning and hope. We ask in the name of the One who gave even his life for us. Amen.