Out On A Limb

Last Friday night Norma Jean and I enjoyed a wonderful evening at Hardison Mill listening to country singer and song writer Rory Feek share an intimate evening of inspiring stories, heart-felt songs, and personal reminiscences.

One of the songs Rory sang is from his recently released album, Gentle Man, entitled “Out On A Limb.” It tells the story of a person reflecting on the paths they could have taken in life. It paints a nostalgic picture of regret, longing, and wistfulness.

In the song, a man named Jarvis wonders, “What if…” as he contemplates the road not taken and a missed opportunity in life. Commenting on the song, Rory encouraged us to take chances. Don’t just stand by the tree trunk where it’s safe. Get out on the limb. That’s where the good fruit is.

As we drove the next day to our annual Fall destination in the Smoky Mountains, we reflected on the evening. “Out On A Limb” resonated with me. I told Norma that’s what we did six years ago when we left the safety and security of local church work to travel and engage in a larger and broader ministry. We went out on a limb, but have been immensely blessed by that decision. And we believe our choice has provided a blessing to others, many of whom we would have never known. We wouldn’t trade our experiences and opportunities for anything.

In further reflection, the risk on going on a limb prevents so many churches, pastors, preachers and Christians from fulfilling the purpose for which God created them. Through the years, I’ve witnessed this fear of going out on a limb when a new idea for evangelism, edification or ministry is suggested in a business meeting. Soon the idea is axed with negative, fearful comments.

• “We’ve never done it that way before.”
• “It costs too much money.”
• “What if it doesn’t work?”
• “We’re doing fine the way we are.”
• “Let’s don’t rock the boat.”
• “I know some people who will object.” (Usually them and/or their family).
• “Let’s table it and think about it.” (Code for we’re never going to do it).
• “That may work in those bigger churches, but it won’t work here.”

Individually, I think of Christians who play it safe standing close to the tree trunk, picking the easy to reach fruit and never reach their full spiritual potential because they’re afraid to go out on a limb.

The Bible is filled with examples of great men and women who accepted God’s challenge to go out on a limb.

Moses risked rejection and worse when he returned to Egypt and demanded of Pharaoh, “Let my people go” (Exodus 4-14).

Caleb and Joshua took a great risk when they contradicted the negative report of their comrades who claimed they couldn’t conquer Canaan. Instead, they boldly proclaimed before Moses, Aaron and all of Israel, “Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it” (Num 13:30).

Gideon took a serious risk when he answered God’s call to fight a powerful army with only 300 men (Judges 6-8).

Think of young David, the shepherd boy, who risked it all when he confidently challenged the giant, Goliath (1 Sam. 17).

When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow down to King Nebuchadnezzar’s image, they risked their lives in the burning fiery furnace (Dan. 3:1-30).

Consider the peril faced by the apostles like Peter, Paul, and John and preachers like Timothy, Titus, and Barnabas, who proclaimed Christ in a corrupt, pagan culture. In spite of opposition, persecution, imprisonment, stoning, beating, and banishment, they accepted Christ’s call, took the risk of faith, and turned the Roman world upside down (Ax. 17:6).

“One of the reasons why mature people stop growing and learning,” says John Gardner, “is that they become less and less willing to risk failure.” In other words, they’re afraid to go out on a limb.

To my brethren, friends, fellow preachers, and churches, don’t be afraid to do more for the Lord. To be more. To go out on a limb.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman