People take chances every day in casinos, on highways, in marriages and at work. In fact, practically everything we do involves risks. There is a brochure that challenges readers to bet their lives on things that really count. The following text is taken from that brochure.

We all take risks

When Aunt Tillie headed to Atlantic City for a weekend, she usually took twenty-five thousand dollars, which back then was more than many made in a year. She always insisted that she made money on her gambling, but others knew the odds were against her. She had to be playing for something other than money. Excitement? Thrill? The rush of winning. . . sometimes.

Actually, we all take chances. . . when we put money into a retirement fund or board an airplane. When we get into our cars and navigate the highways near our homes, we're taking enormous chances. Statistics show that 77% of accidents happen within 15 miles of home. Even something as wonderful as romance is loaded with risks.

So maybe risk-taking in and of itself is not all bad. Perhaps the question is not whether we should take risks, but which risks should we take?

Jesus talked about risking our lives for something that lasts, both today and forever. He said: "Don't store up your treasure on earth where it can decay or be stolen. Instead, store up your treasure in heaven where there is no decay or thieves." In other words, don't bet everything on what you can touch, taste and see. It's temporary. Think beyond the present.

How do we "store treasure in heaven?" Loving God and loving people. And love is not only sweet affection and heart-throb romance. Love is loyalty, fidelity, endurance, compassion, service. When someone challenged Jesus to explain what He meant by "loving our neighbor" He told a story about three men who passed an injured man. Two of the men walked right by. The third man stopped and helped. That, said Jesus, is what love is—finding a need and doing something about it. That kind of love is risky. You take chances when you open your heart. You take chances when you stop and get involved. You take chances when you care about people. You take chances when you live the Jesus-life.

If we take our money to Atlantic City or Las Vegas or the local lottery dealer, our chances of making money are pretty slim. But if we risk our money, time and abilities in doing good, our chances of making a difference are huge. At the casino no matter how much or little we win, it is never enough. In the Jesus-way of living, no matter how skillful or clumsy our game, we always win. It is always enough.