• Skip to main content
  • Account
  • Cart
  • Change Country

Insight for Living

The Bible-Teaching Ministry of Pastor Chuck Swindoll

  • Home
  • Broadcasts
    • Current Broadcast
    • Broadcast Schedule
    • Broadcast Archive
    • Series Library
    • STS Bible Studies
    • Ways to Listen
    • Sunday Services
    • Paws & Tales
  • Resources
    • Daily Devotional
    • Insights on the Bible
    • Insights by Topic
    • Article Library
    • Church Leaders
    • Church Resources
    • How to Know God
    • Chuck’s Next Book
    • Video Library
    • Reframing Ministries
  • International
    • About Vision 195
    • International Pastors
    • International Offices
  • Connect
    • FAQs
    • Contact Us
    • Social Media
    • Mobile App
    • Share Your Testimony
    • Bible Questions and Counseling
    • Pray for IFL
  • About
    • Essential Beliefs
    • Chuck Swindoll
    • Questions about Chuck
    • Leadership
    • Where Donations Go
    • Work With Us
    • Volunteer Opportunities
  • Store
  • Donate
    • Give Now
    • Give Monthly
    • My Account
    • Giving Through Stock Transfers
    • Planned Giving
    • Giving History
    • Why Give
    • This Month’s Letter
  1. Home
  2. »
  3. Biblical Resources
  4. »
  5. Church Leaders
  6. »
  7. Moving Beyond Theory and Wishful Thinking: Reaching Out and Taking Risks

Church Leaders

  • Calling
  • Character
  • Church
  • Family
  • Holiday
  • Leadership
  • Prayer
  • Preaching
  • Relationships
  • Rewards
  • Servanthood
  • Sovereignty
  • Struggle

Article Library

Follow us:
Facebook
X
Instagram
YouTube
Pinterest

Moving Beyond Theory and Wishful Thinking: Reaching Out and Taking Risks


By Pastor Chuck Swindoll


Let me guess. You are tired of the superficial.

You want to be a force for good in a world of evil—a person of authenticity in a world of hypocrisy. You are weary of witnessing what you see happening around you. You want to be part of the answer, not part of the problem.

There is no question that Jesus expected each of us to shine the light of God’s love among this dark, lost world. We are to spread it abroad and to share the truth that we have been granted. In our homes, schools, workplaces, recreations, and in every other area of our lives, there are ways we can serve others.

That means moving beyond theory and wishful thinking. That means reaching out, taking risks, and doing what Scripture commands.

Jesus said,

“Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.” (John 14:21)

I’d call that a promise worthy to be claimed.


Copyright © 2025 by Insight for Living and Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. All rights are reserved worldwide.

About the author

Pastor Chuck Swindoll

Pastor Charles R. Swindoll has devoted his life to the accurate, practical teaching and application of God’s Word. He is the founding pastor of Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas, but Chuck’s listening audience extends far beyond a local church body. As a leading program in Christian broadcasting since 1979, Insight for Living airs around the world. Chuck’s leadership as president and now chancellor emeritus at Dallas Theological Seminary has helped prepare and equip a new generation of men and women for ministry.

Swindoll's Ministry Insights

Sign up and receive Chuck's 20 PREACHING INSIGHTS checklist. This weekly email will bring you Chuck's wisdom on ministry, leadership, and preaching.



From Promise to Presence

Everlasting Light: A Journey from Promise to Presence

From December 1 to 25, let the advent devotional Everlasting Light move you into a spirit of waiting, reflection, and preparation for Christ’s arrival.

Written by our Spanish pastor Carlos Zazueta (and also available in Spanish), this book includes quotes from Pastor Chuck to recenter your heart each day.

Why Give?

Watch Video

Why Support Insight for Living Ministries

In this short video, Chuck Swindoll explains that Insight for Living can not continue financially without the generosity of loyal friends just like you.

Footer

Insight for Living Broadcast

I have been listening to your program for about 23 years. It has been such a blessing to me in my spiritual walk and helped me so much in raising our kids and now with our growing family. Thank you so much for your faithfulness and for your wonderful insight into God's Word. May God continue to bless your ministry.

–S. N. from MS

Help Us Impact Listeners’ Lives

Let’s Keep in Contact

Areas of Interest

Contact Permission

By clicking the "Sign up" button below, I am requesting to receive e-mail communications from Insight for Living, and I agree to allow my personal data to be processed according to their privacy policy.

Welcome

  • Our Mission
  • Chuck Swindoll
  • Essential Beliefs
  • Vision 195
  • How to Know God
  • The Book Shoppe & Coffee

Resources

  • Insights by Topic
  • Insights on the Bible
  • Article Library
  • Daily Devotional
  • Videos
  • Church Resources

Donate

  • Donate Now
  • Stock Transfers
  • Wills and Estate Planning
  • Why Support IFL?
  • Where Donations Go
  • My Donations

Contact

  • Contact Us
  • FAQs / Email
  • International Offices
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Rights & Permissions

© 2025 Insight for Living. All rights reserved.

Follow us:
Facebook
X
Instagram
YouTube
Pinterest