First Baptist Church

The 1970s icon and daredevil extraordinaire, Evel Knievel (Robert Craig) died last Friday at the age of 69 after several years of serious illness. He was known for performing high profile stunts which seemed nearly impossible. Most notable among them was a 1974 attempt to jump across an Idaho canyon in a rocket powered motorcycle! Knievel retired in 1980 after suffering more than 40 broken bones and having multiple blood transfusions over the course of more than a decade. Some were entertained by him, while others simply shook their heads. Children in the 70s remember “Evel Knievel lunch boxes which sported his trademark red, white, and blue.

Some may wonder what would drive a person like Evel Knievel to attempt the risky ventures he attempted time and time again. Perhaps the spotlight was alluring to him. Perhaps someone telling him he could not do something was just the challenge he needed. Perhaps his ego was just too big and powerful to tell no. Whatever the reasoning he did what he did, and he was what he was.

Average people typically are not tempted to perform spectacular and dangerous feats for the roar of an adoring crowd, not because the spotlight is not desirable, but because the risk is just too great. Most of us hardly drive our automobile without our seatbelt securely fastened, as we should not. We would not play Russian roulette, stick our head in a lion’s mouth, go over Niagara Falls in a barrel, or walk a tightrope between two skyscrapers. What is totally ironic and almost without explanation though, is the question of why otherwise intelligent people would take such a magnificent risk with their eternal destiny. Jesus Himself taught, “fear not him who can kill the body but fear him who can destroy both the body and the spirit in Hell; fear him.”

While people are frightened to eat spinach for fear of e. coli, take a hot air balloon ride, travel to the Middle East, or run with scissors, the eternal state of their soul is in grave danger. It has been said, “He who is in the most danger, is often the least aware of it.” Danger for the unsaved of this world is all around.

Taking chances is not always bad, sometimes it is warranted, but it is not worth it when our very souls are at stake. People often put off serious matters like finalizing a will, making plans for retirement, and otherwise getting their financial affairs in order. It is further true that one cannot afford to take chances with God. Some have been quoted as saying, “I think I’m alright; I am a pretty good guy,” and they cannot believe, seemingly for a moment, they would go anywhere short of Heaven, yet the Bible is very clear on this issue. Even Jesus Himself said, “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, did we not…” A long list of deeds is given at the end of which Jesus said, “Depart from me, I never knew you.” Many will be surprised in that day, and it will not be a pleasant one!

Otherwise conservative, rational people are taking the “Evel Knievel” approach to eternity. They are pushing and pressing for something a little bit greater and a little more edgy but the problem is that they are going full steam ahead on a track that leads no where except assured destruction. Let us be salt and light which exposes and preserves the chaotic culture God placed us in!

In Christ,

Pastor Allen Raynor