While recently listening to one of my favorite podcasts, I heard an unfamiliar phrase. The podcaster was talking about how he wanted to share with his audience the really powerful and helpful content of another podcaster, but he determined not to do so because the other person used so much profanity in his presentation. When the first one weighed the benefits of the content to his audience against the risk of the profanity offending his audience (and possibly causing him to lose listeners), he determined not to share. He said, “the juice wasn’t worth the squeeze.”
I had never heard that phrase before, but it really spoke to me. I wish more people, churches, organizations, and businesses would weigh the benefits (juice) against the cost (squeeze) before they make decisions. When I say, “cost,” I’m not simply talking about finances. I’m also talking about:
- Reputation (how others perceive us)
- Influence (if others listen to us)
- Longevity (how long we desire to be a part of the discussion)
- Effectiveness (if our input really matters)
I think about those individuals and groups who hang their hats on one political issue or agenda. For a lobbyist, the juice may indeed be worth the squeeze. For a church or non-profit organization who decides to address moral issues as if they are political OR political issues as if they are moral … well maybe not.
Of course, like my influential podcaster, each of us must determine for ourselves whether the juice is worth the squeeze. I don’t get to make that decision for someone else or for another group. On a fairly regular basis, I get invited to attend, participate in, publicize, or organize meetings or rallies promoting some cause. I don’t get to tell people that their cause is not worth promoting. I do get to decide if the juice is worth the squeeze as far as my personal participation is concerned.
I’ve thought of a couple of processing questions to help me determine, on a case-by-case basis, if the juice is worth the squeeze.
- What will participation in this cost me in terms of reputation, influence, longevity, and effectiveness? If I identify with this cause or ideology, what opportunities will I lose to speak into other issues? What kind of pandora’s box will I open if I go there?
- What will it cost me if I DON’T participate in this? Is it so central to my personal values or to the well-being of my community that it is worth whatever consequences may come? Does my identity as a Christ-follower who believes that the Bible is God’s absolutely true and trustworthy written revelation of Himself require my participation?
You will have to determine your own process. If mine is a helpful template, you are welcome to it. This I know: our lives matter to God. He proved that at great personal cost. Jesus believes we are worth the squeeze.
Question: What squeeze are you contemplating right now?
