Why I Don't (Usually) Accept Dares

Photo by: Ikunl

Back when I was young—before children—I would do anything anyone dared me to do. Granted, I had a good family and good friends, so the dares weren’t the kind that would’ve killed me. My cousin dared me to jump off the high dive, then to dive off. Of course I did it. I did some silly things with girlfriends, like a Chinese fire drill at about 2:00 a.m. in my hometown. (They locked the car door on me, and I had to dive through the window!) I’ve eaten chocolate-covered ants, dog food, and some other gross things on dares. I wanted to skydive as a young adult, but I never had the opportunity . . . .

It all stopped, though, when I was expecting our first baby. I guess being a mother made me come to my senses—the common senses I should’ve had earlier. I’ve lived a fairly sensible life ever since. Adventure seekers might view my life as boring, but it’s been anything but—though it has been relatively safe. I haven’t jumped out of any airplanes and haven’t tried the high dive since about age 22. I have, however, eaten baby eels, octopus, and regular-sized squid in its own ink. (Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it!) I have no regrets that I didn’t try ridiculous dares. My friends don’t dare me to do much these days, anyhow. . . .

Until social media. “If you have a daughter who’s both beautiful and smart, share this.” “If you love your son with all your heart, share this.” “If you are thankful for the best mother in the world, share this.” “If your husband . . . .” And then, there are the chain letters. “Copy and share this on your wall and send it to five friends.” “If you are really my friend, you’ll read this to the end. Please tell in one word how we met.” If you are my friend on social media, and you wonder why I don’t advertise my daughter or my son and you’re wondering if I love my mother and if my husband is wonderful, the answer is I don’t do those things because I simply don’t like people telling me what I have to post on my wall. If I, out of the fuzzy feelings of my own heart, want to put something gushy on my wall, I will. It will be genuine, and it will not be copied and pasted. (I really love my family, and we’re proud of our kids. So now you know.)

Then comes the “ice bucket challenge.” I don’t care if you did it or didn’t. I do care where you send your money, and I put a link to explain my feelings on Facebook.

The other day, a young friend nominated me (and a bunch of other people) to share two favorite Bible verses. I accepted, because I am more than glad to share my favorite verses with the world. I did it of my own volition, because I was happy to share God’s Word with others. But, I didn’t nominate anyone else. (Sorry to disappoint.)

I may be rebellious, but I don’t like others telling me exactly what I have to do and how. Do you?

There are four exceptions. They’re authorities that God has put in my life. Their challenges are for my good. 

1. God—He says, If ye love me, keep my commandments (John 14:15). For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous (1 John 5:3). I do love God, and because I love Him, it’s a joy to do His will.
2. My husband—I know it’s not popular today to speak of obeying one’s husband, but this is a concept of order and not of drudgery. It is borne out of mutual respect and the husband’s headship in the home. The Bible says, she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband (1 Corinthians 7:34b). Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord (Colossians 3:18).
3. My pastor—You may think I have it easy, since my pastor is my husband. I assure you that I do look to him for spiritual guidance and leadership. My husband and I also consult our home pastor sometimes and greatly respect his godly advice. Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you (Hebrews 13:17).
4. The government—Yes, I know, we all have our quarrels with the powers that be, but the Bible says, Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour (Romans 13:1-7). By the way, the Apostle Paul wrote this to the church in Rome, during the time of the Roman Empire, which wasn’t exactly known for tolerance, fairness, and kindness. It’s God’s will that we obey the law of the land and pay our taxes. 

My conclusion? I’m not under social media’s thumb, and I’ll continue not to post anything I don’t want to. I will not tag my friends, challenge them, or nominate them. I won’t take silly dares, either . . . though paragliding in Cape Town looks like a lot of fun!