NIV 365 / Courage/Risk Taking

The NIV 365-Day Devotional Reading Plan

Day 182 of 365 Courage/Risk Taking It's been said that failure is the backdoor to success. It is, and so is risk. Indeed, Henry Lee (Hank) Allen in the book Men to Menobserves that "Many of the most successful people or organizations either failed many times, took several risks, or both - before they achieved." Allen defines risk as "having the faith to attempt something new or different even though it might be hard or lead to failure." He maintains that "risk is not recklessness; recklessness involves little or no forethought . . . In contrast, those who take risks are aware that they face enormous obstacles to achievement; yet, the rewards seem well worth the effort."* Strong leaders boldly take calculated risks. They must do so in order to advance their cause. That's what Jesus did when he cleared the temple in Jerusalem. When he drove out the money changers and overturned their tables, Jesus ran the risk of enraging those ancient con artists. He risked antagonizing the religious leaders and being misunderstood by the masses. But Jesus had to take that risk; he couldn't sit idly by as these corrupt vendors made a mockery of his Father's house. As the Messiah, he deeply felt his "zeal" for the house of God (v. 17). He had to express that zeal regardless of the risk. As you cultivate your leadership skills, don't be afraid to take a calculated risk. And don't fear failure. Both are backdoors to success. *Allen quoted in Men to Men, 33. Taken from NIV Leadership Bible John 2:12-19 John 2:12-19 KJV 12 After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days. 13 And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, 14 And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: 15 And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables; 16 And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise. 17 And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up. 18 Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things? 19 Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.