When people’s lives and Christ’s reputation are at stake, risk-avoidance is paramount. At times, however, we might need to consciously undertake a measure of personal risk.

To follow God, it may be necessary to set aside agendas, to test relationships or to surrender control. Perhaps God will call us to be a truth-bearer in a place where difficult conversations are avoided. Is there a sacred cow that needs to be skewered or dynasties that should be challenged? Will we be called on to take a bold stand that could risk our position in ministry?

Sometimes, we are even called to choose risk over safety. To refuse, then, can bring serious consequences. The Israelites under Moses were not willing to follow the Lord’s leading into Canaan (Numbers 13-14), and a generation paid with their lives.

While we must wisely protect our organizations and our people against unnecessary risk, let’s also consider whether God might be calling us into a risk worth taking for His sake.

Nancy Smith is the EFCA director of accounting. She attends First EFC in Minneapolis.