Too Extreme

To achieve the unthinkable and conquer a climb to the top of the tallest mountain in the world—Mount Everest—takes experience, unrelenting stamina, reliable equipment, and a tremendous amount of intestinal fortitude and proven expertise.  The mountain reaches an elevation of 29,032 feet—almost too high and too treacherous for humans to survive—a trek of life or death.  At least 322 people have perished on Mount Everest— pushing the edge of reason.

Let us also consider El Capitan, located in Yosemite National Park, California.  It is a vertical rock formation that rises approximately 3,000 feet from base to summit.  Climbers from all around the world challenge themselves to scale its sheer face—more than most would dare.

There is also a well-known canyon formed by erosion from the Colorado River: the Grand Canyon.  It stretches 277 miles long, 18 miles wide, and reaches depths of over a mile.  As a publicity stunt, the motorcycle daredevil Evel Knievel attempted to jump the canyon on a steam-powered rocket in 1974, but the parachute deployed early, resulting in a crash.  He suffered a severely broken arm and broken ribs—beyond human limits.

When I was younger, I trained to fly hang gliders and completed 23 successful flights—until the last one.  Although the flight itself was perfect, when I landed, I stepped into a gopher hole and injured my right foot.  That accident sidelined me for nine months.  It was the last time I flew.  I took it as writing on the wall.  If I could get hurt that badly on a good flight, what might happen on a bad one?  Too extreme to tempt fate again.

The examples above are just a few of the extreme ventures people pursue—tests of tenacity and a willingness to risk their lives while, as it were, treading on thin ice.  These adventures can cost a person their life.  Yet something far more important is at stake: losing one’s soul—dying without God’s forgiveness of sins.

Though such ventures may seem too extreme to those who are cautious and reserved, there will always be others who are less intimidated by the challenges they face.  Their desire for adventure can sometimes outweigh common sense.  For some, these pursuits may reflect a deeper urge to conquer the unknown and push beyond their limits—too extreme.

The rescue of eternal souls, however, is an even greater challenge—especially for those who feel unprepared spiritually or mentally to answer God’s call to go into all the world and preach the Gospel.  We must possess the wherewithal to share God’s Word and our personal testimonies, while being equipped with the right spiritual armor—the Whole Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18).

Scripture tells us in John 6:44 that no one comes to God unless His Spirit draws them.  We are to be the conduit through which His Spirit flows to those who are lost in sin and without hope of eternal life in heaven.

Some Christians may feel this calling is too extreme and hesitate to step outside their comfort zone to confront the forces that keep people bound in sin.  But believers must reaffirm the power found in the name of Jesus.  As it is written in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Nothing is too extreme for God—or for His children—when it comes to saving souls.  When a child of God steps out in faith, relying on proven equipment—Scripture, the Whole Armor of God, and trust that God will draw people to Himself—then all that remains is to share the hope that salvation brings through Jesus Christ and leave the results to Him.

What seems too extreme for man is never too extreme for God.  When we trust Him fully, even the greatest spiritual challenges become opportunities for His power to be revealed.

Written by,

Papa Boyd