Taking Risks for a Greater Reward

A recent Home Group discussion began with how a study showed that successful people are willing to take risks for a greater reward.

 

This concept of the willingness to take risks for a greater reward reminds me of risks some in the church around the world are taking now for the name of Jesus and the gospel.

 

Some have the opportunity to minister to those that have the potential to harm them. They are taking the risk to be Jesus to them for the greater reward of bringing about the salvation of their souls.

 

I am reminded of the early church.

 

"…And when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ." - Acts 5:40-42 KJV

 

Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy,

 

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel [share with me in the sufferings for the gospel] according to the power of God;" - 2 Timothy 1:7-8 KJV (Also verses: 5-6, 11-12, Romans 8:16-18).

 

Apostle Paul wrote,

 

"And why stand we in jeopardy every hour? I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily." - 1 Corinthians 15:30-31 KJV

 

"Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft." - 2 Corinthians 11:23 KJV (see also verses 24-28).

 

The writer of Hebrews wrote,

 

"By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward." - Hebrews 11:24-26 KJV