Articles & Devotionals
Risk-Aversion
Periodically, my team at work has been asked to take different personality profiles or other ways to help us understand how to “work more effectively as a team”... or that’s what they tell us. One trait that continues to appear on my results is that I’m “risk-averse”. I wasn’t surprised (nor was my wife). I tend to be very calculated when taking risks or trying new things (also known as hesitant, stubborn, or boring by some).
This shows up when trying new foods, when working on something that I don’t have any experience with, when thinking about changing jobs, etc. Sometimes it’s a useful attribute... other times, admittedly, it’s not much fun. Some time ago, I received an article that was titled “You’re more like Wile E. Coyote than you think.” My first thought was, “Apparently they haven’t read my personality profile,” but at the same time I was intrigued.
Wile E. Coyote still hasn’t figured out how to win. Yet, he never quits. He is always trying something new and taking risks to achieve his goal. He continues to learn. He’s an expert in rocketry, explosives, medieval siege weapons, newtonian mechanics, and self-administered field medical care. (He could have used more armor… see: Ephesians 6:10-20). One thing that is apparent is that Wile E. Coyote is a risk taker.
In our current situation of increased safety, avoiding risks, and social-distancing, I have been thinking about examples of risk takers. It was, the often impulsive, Peter who stepped out of the boat to meet Jesus on the water (Matthew 14:29). It was Peter and John who risked punishment by violating the orders of the Council and continued to preach Jesus (Acts 4:13-20). It was Paul who didn’t care if he seemed crazy as long as Christ was preached (1 Corinthians 4:10; 2 Corinthians 5:13). There are many others, especially in the New Testament, who took risks. They took risks of losing temporal comforts (safety, freedom, reputation) for the sake of eternal rewards.
I’m not saying become a rebel and ignore all the warnings, recommendations, and proclamations regarding your health. What I am saying or asking (and asking myself) is, how much of a risk taker are we compared to examples like these? Am I willing to try even though I may fail? Am I willing to fail so I can learn? Am I willing to learn so that others can benefit in the future?
Will I talk about God during these times even though I may risk being dismissed? Will I try to share the Gospel even though I may crash and burn and be rejected? Will I take on more responsibilities in serving others even if I have no idea what to do or say? Can I be more like Wile E. Coyote and, even if my plan takes me off a cliff, be ready to try something else again tomorrow?
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” - Galatians 6:9
- Risk-Aversion.pdf (96.77 kB)
