Err on the Side of Adventure

Abby and I have been watching the drama series Succession on Sky Atlantic (no spoilers). The series is sponsored by Volvo who are running their campaign with the slogan:

“Incredible stories start with feeling safe”

As far as depressing slogans go, this has to be up there with the best of them. I groan every time. They couldn’t be more wrong.

Watch any Disney movie and you’ll quickly see that well written stories are built around internal conflict - a desire for something greater that is tempered by fear and uncertainty . The adventure begins when the protagonist chooses to risk the status quo in order to pursue something greater and more meaningful. Take for example The Lion King (because it’s my favourite). Simba’s desire is to be king. Simba’s fear is that he is not worthy because he thinks he was responsible for his dad’s death. The story only begins when he chooses to come out of the comfort of his exile with Timon and Pumbaa in order to face the monster that is his uncle Scar, and claim his rightful place as king. (If that’s a spoiler, then that’s on you).

More often than not, incredible stories start with feeling scared.

…I don’t think Volvo’s marketing department will go for it.

I’m 9 days away from the start of The Summer Spine Race. The Spine is a footrace along the full 268 miles of the Pennine Way from South to North. As it draws closer I’m increasingly wondering what I’ve let myself in for. I genuinely don’t know if I am capable of completing it. Will I have the physical capacity? How will I cope with the mental pressures that come with multiple days out on my own? What effect will sleep deprivation have on me? Have I got all the right gear? Will I hurt myself? There are a lot of things to potentially worry about and a high probability that this race will be my first DNF. I have to confess I am carrying some fear. For me though, the greater risk would be to avoid the opportunity for an adventure.

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said… At once they left their nets and followed him." Matthew 4.19-20

When the first disciples said yes to Jesus, they gave up everything. They left their homes, their families and their livelihoods all on the promise of an adventure with this Jesus who they barely even knew. They were offered the choice between the status-quo, which offered comfort and stability, and the possibility of something glorious, accompanied by fear and uncertainty. They each responded with remarkable faith. They would risk it all for the sake of gaining Christ (Phil 3.8)

Many others said no to Jesus’ call. Some preferred to stay and bury their relatives (Luk 9.59), or deal with family matters (61). Some were simply too scared to risk putting a dent in their bank balance (Mat 19v21) or step away from their careers (Luk 14v18). These are all reasonable things to be concerned about, and their fear of the alternative Jesus was offering was not unfounded. After all, Jesus would later his disciples out “like sheep among wolves” (Mat 10.16)! So many erred on the side of caution.

And yet, Jesus reminded us:

“whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” Matthew 16.25-26

The call to adventure with Jesus isn’t a reckless, ill-informed, naive pursuit. It’s the willingness to risk temporal material things for the sake of the one thing that is of lasting worth - Jesus. We can step forwards with confidence because we are choosing the path that leads to life.

Perhaps you've become too comfortable? Perhaps your passion for the Lord been smothered by fear? Jesus calls you again. It’s not too late to say yes.

It’s time to err on the side of adventure.