Rich Dixon asks another important question.

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Last time, I omitted the question that opened our team discussion about risk.

Is it worth the risk?

Unless you’re a teenage male, risk/reward analysis is likely a normal part of life.

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Jesus advised his followers to count the cost of following. I used to think this was all about analyzing risk/reward, being certain our physical circumstances are properly prepared, making sure the potential outcome is worth the risk.

I’m sure that’s part of it. We advise potential riders to decide in advance if they are willing to make the necessary commitment. Cyclists train for weeks or even months prior to a tour. Some folks simply can’t, or don’t want to, sacrifice that much time and sweat, and that’s okay.

Physical and mental preparation, balancing risk and reward, being certain we understand the demands of the task as clearly as possible – I’m sure that’s part of Jesus’ guidance.

But there’s this one pesky verse: In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.

I used to think give up everything meant selling all my stuff, because “my stuff” is everything I have – right? Now, I wonder if Jesus even cares all that much about my stuff.

I think he might care a great deal about my attitude toward my stuff, about an attitude that thinks “my stuff” is everything I have.

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My friend Rob Coles has a way of nudging me in uncomfortable spots. In a recent sermon he proclaimed, “Jesus is a threat to our way of life…”

Not sure about you, but I normally don’t appreciate threats. I have a sense, though, that Rob may be correct. Give up everything you have… seems like a radical threat to my comfortable way of life.

And – I suspect it’s about more than my stuff.

Is it worth it?