For me, the past week has been spent swimming in teen culture and studying the science of adolescence. I hope to share a lot of it on here, as it is fascinating and applicable for our understanding the world around us. One thing that has really stood out is the idea of risk. My job is in the realm of risk prevention, or at least unhealthy risk avoidance such as drugs, alcohol, and sex. Our field is that of teaching teens to think before they act.
Easy, right?
The fascinating thing is that kids are actually wired to take risks. Their prefrontal cortex is still forming, and given their hormones and overall life circumstances, this creates the perfect storm of unrestrained energy. At worse this plays out with risks like substance abuse and driving recklessly. Yet, when directed positively with solid adult mentors and parents, this energy can be directed to take the risks that make change in this stiff world. Entrepreneurs, Athletes, and World Changers all carry this “safe” risk energy into adulthood.
These risks take courage. It takes a confidence that we build into each other at a young age. Risk is two sides of the same coin. If we stifle one side, the other will develop. Good or bad, kids are built to risk.
As a practicing theologian, this makes me wonder. If God created us to risk, then how do we foster it in youth and keep it alive in our twilight? As life progresses, we typically risk less. Why? Because we have more to lose. Families. Careers. Health. We start to narrow the funnel we make decisions from, thus ignoring our God created nature. Make no mistake, this is not the “do bigger things for God” sermon that is recklessly preached on many Sundays, but something deeper, something more personal. This is working within the safety of His presence and disciplines. When given opportunities to love, we do so. We pray without limit and give through this risk. When prompted by His Spirit, we move with grace.
Matt simon blog 