Extreme Dreams - 3rd March 2008

Our household has been keenly following Extreme Dreams on BBC2 with Ben Fogle over recent weeks – it’s been an interesting watch as Ben has chosen various people to take on challenging journeys with both physical and mental challenges around the globe having made it through a selection process. The daily programmes highlight all the pitfalls and physical challenges the team has to overcome and all the disasters that befall them.

One of the questions Ben asks through the selection process has been why the candidate wants to do it – and the responses have been quite interesting. Among others, there has been; -

“To show my daughter I love her’
‘ I need to prove myself’
‘my last chance’
‘Do something for me’
‘Move on with my life’
‘To get out of my comfort zone’

I can understand some of these, although I do struggle to see how undertaking an adventure in a foreign country and risking serious harm proves that you love someone? This kind of reality TV is growing in popularity, and we’ll be looking at some others through the week.

Anyway, to the point. If we were given the opportunity of doing some sort of Extreme Dream, what would we want to do? I personally would like to either get to the summit of Everest, or cross Antarctica – both are physically demanding challenges that require certain level of mental strength to achieve the goal.

Jesus had his own version of Extreme Dreams. Even Ben Fogle wouldn’t come up with the following – spend 40 days and nights in the desert without any food or water whilst being tempted by the Devil (although if you have watched some of Bear Gryll’s recent extreme adventures, he’s given it a go).

The Christian way of life is a bit like an extreme dream. Imagine running a trailer for it – persecution, test of character, difficult challenges, temptation, and sacrifice– all sounds pretty tough and something where watching from the outside may be more comfortable. And you would be right – but it is the ultimate prize that is reason for doing it. Eternal life, God’s love, an everlasting acceptance, knowing there is nothing better, forgiveness……..

So, today’s challenge – are you participating in the Christian life, or happier watching from the sidelines?