Risk Takers, Speed Freaks & Christianity

Today we watched the film “Rush”, telling the story of the intense rivalry and bravery of Niki Lauda and James Hunt during the era that I first became a fan of motor racing – was I really only 11?  Attitudes have certainly changed as to the value of human life, and the film shows the difference between the calculating mind of Lauda who accepted a “20% risk” and Hunt, who was much more carefree and from the old school where risk was measured by WW2 fighter pilot standards of bravery and glory.

Meanwhile, we still pray and await the outcome of Michael Schumacher’s skiing accident.  After giving up racing cars, he was injured when racing a motorbike - a much higher risk activity than F1.  It seems that the adrenaline rush is part of his being.  As Ayrton Senna said “Racing, competing, it's in my blood. It's part of me, it's part of my life; I have been doing it all my life and it stands out above everything else.”  Some people can’t live without it – even to the point that they accept the risk of death with it.

We all need an element of risk in our lives but we have different optimal levels.  My wife reckons there’s a gene on my side of the family that means we arrive late, but I prefer to call it “cutting it fine”, so there’s invariably a race against the clock giving some stress for her and some excitement for me.  The enjoyment of watching a film shows that it is possible to get this 2^nd hand through living the experience of others - another example that springs to mind is “Speed with Guy Martin” where he tries to break various speed records, whilst managing the risks that these entail.  However, this is nothing compared to the real thing, which is why I love karting, sledging and exploring the handling limits of an old car (although always within the speed limits, Officer!)

So, is there an outlet for the risk-takers in church?  There certainly was in Jesus day – his followers weren’t promised an easy life (e.g. Mt 5:11, Lk 21:12, John 15:20).  Indeed, the experience of Christians in many parts of the world is one of extreme risk, and often the church seems to be growing as a result.  One of the criticisms of our own church is that it is risk-averse, but hopefully this is changing under our new ABC Justin.  For those up for a dangerous mission, perhaps you should consider joining us?  We follow the ultimate risk taker…