I love adventure and risk. Have you ever thought about what you never would have accomplished if you hadnt been willing to risk a little?  You never would have learned to walk or ride a bike. You never would have said I do!

My son Bryan loves to scuba dive. A few months ago I decided to get certified in scuba diving, so I could join him in an underwater adventure. The certification process was an adventure in itself, but after Id accomplished that, I called my son and said Lets go!

I have the perfect dive for us, Bryan replied, A shark dive!

Bob and Bryan Reccord diving off St. Thomas at about 80 feet.

Not long after that, I found myself descending into the clear ocean waters with Bryan and several fellow divers. Our guide began exposing the raw meat that attracted dozens of sharks. Before long, we were surrounded by them. One collided with my face mask. Another brushed against Bryans hand. At any time, one of them could have chomped at a piece of flesh.

Id be less than honest if I didnt tell you I was nervous. But think about what I would have missed if Id stayed on shore. My son and I forged a memory Ill cherish forever. And I came face to face with one of the most amazing creatures God ever created. It was an adventure Ill never forget, but it wouldnt have happened had I played it safe.

The Christian life is so much like that. Once we invite Christ into our lives, we can choose to play it safe, keeping Christ to ourselves and staying within the comfortable confines of our churches and Christian friends. But, oh, what an adventure were missing!

When Jesus spoke to the disciples in Acts 1:8 He said, you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Notice He didnt say you might be or you will be if you want to be, He said you will be. Jesus commanded us to live the adventure in our Christian life.

Walking with Him and applying the truth of scripture is part of the adventure, but unless we are intentionally impacting others with the message of salvation, were not living the full adventure.

If you have childrenor recall your own childhoodyoull probably know this experience well. Some kids are ready to dive right in and try new adventures at the drop of a hat, but others need a little nudging.

As parents, we know its good for our children to move into new areas. They learn to overcome their fears, and they discover new things about themselves and others. Its also satisfying to a parent to see that a child is able to take steps beyond the comfort and safety of home.

Its the same way with God. Hes proud of us as His children, but He doesnt want us to keep to ourselves everything Hes given us. He wants us to live the adventure of sharing it with others. Will we stumble sometimes and mess up the message? Probably. Will we sometimes face a hostile audience? Theres a good chance. But will we grow closer to God and see our faith increase in the processmost definitely!

Risks come with sharing the gospel. We risk rejection. We risk looking foolish in the worlds eyes. We risk offending friends or family members. But what we also discover when we take those risks is that God is already working in the lives of people, and He is going to continue that work whether or not we get involved.

When we look beyond the risks and join Him in that work, oh, what an adventure we will have. Theres a deeper walk with God, a vibrant renewal of our spirit and a new love and appreciation for mankind when we step into that adventure.

Dont miss out. Dont play it safe. Dive right in and swim with the sharks. Youll never be the same.

Dr. Bob Reccord is president of the North American Mission Board, SBC. His latest book is Beneath the Surface: Steering Clear of Dangers that Could Leave You Shipwrecked (Broadman & Holman 2002). He is host of the Strength for Living Baptist Hour which airs on more than 400 radio stations.