Being a disciple of Jesus is a R.I.S.K.Y. business
Just like anything in life, being a disciple of Jesus entails many risks and trade-offs. To assess these trade-offs, the acronym R.I.S.K.Y. is used.
Disciples of Jesus...
Disciples of Jesus...
- Recognize that Jesus is present in everything in the world, especially those who are considered the very least (the outcasts, poor, and struggling). By recognizing this, disciples of Jesus always put others first. Although disciples see this as the right thing to do, others may see it as uncool or abnormal, leading the disciple to become the part of the outcasted.
- Invite others to share an unconditional friendship with Jesus. This means that disciples go out of their way to invite others into relationship and spread the good news. This can often get disciples of Jesus into trouble with the status quo.
- Stick together. Discipleship cannot be done alone.This is why Jesus surrounded himself with disciples and why the first Christians became the Church- a gathering of close, diverse friends with a common interest. Although this clique is extremely open and accepting, being a part of it may lead to stereotyping and alienation.
- Keep their eyes, ears, and hearts open. Jesus and his disciples notice and see others, especially those in need. This is much like letter R in which we recognize those who are outcasted and less fortunate.
- Yearn to be noticed. Disciples stick out. They stand up and speak out for what is right. Because disciples notice the needs of others, they become part of other peoples' lives, and are determined to advocate for their rights and needs. And the more positive attention you draw to yourself, the more negative attention follows.
Is it worth it?
Like Jesus, disciples are convinced that taking these risks are always worth going through the trouble.
As Albert Einstein once said, “A ship is always safe at the shore - but that is NOT what it is built for.”
As Albert Einstein once said, “A ship is always safe at the shore - but that is NOT what it is built for.”