Jesus on Leadership, Principle Four

Take a couple of seconds and look at this picture. Really look at it. Can you see the mountains in the background? Can you see the visible air under the feet of this man making the leap from one cliff to the other? Can you see the uneven slope on the rocks where he'll be landing? Can you see yourself in his place?

Most of us do not even want to imagine this being us. It makes us uncomfortable just looking at the picture. It is scary!

Principle four in the book, Jesus on Leadership by Gene Wilkes is Take Risks. That is a very tall order for a lot of people. Taking risks requires me to leave my comfort zone. Taking risks means that I may walk away with less than I started with. Taking risks means that I expose myself to failure.

The Bible story that I think of when I think of taking a risk is the three Hebrew children in Daniel. They took a major risk when they would not bow to the king. They were risking more than just some finances or their reputation. They were risking their necks. Wilkes says on page 130 that Jesus risked much in John 13 when He washed the disciples feet. He was willing to risk because He knew who He was, and He knew where He was heading. I believe that the three Hebrew children risked much because they knew who they were and where they were headed.

Who are you? Where are you heading? Tough questions, huh? Wilkes breaks down in principle four by describing the different personality types. It is important to know yourself when you contemplate taking risks. Take me for example, I love being with people. If I were to say that I am going to take the risk of joining a monastery and take an oath of silence for a year. I would be doomed for failure. I thrive around people. When I try to calculate the risks that God is calling me to do, most assuredly it will be around other people.

I served in a church in Illinois that completely turned their backs on risk taking. I didn't last very long there. I like taking "calculated" risks. I think that it is healthy for you and for your congregation. Be certain though that you spend a considerable amount of time in prayer before you take risks. Be certain that you are not just looking to pump up your ego, or gain an adrenaline rush. Talk to those people who have authority over you. Get confirmation.

With that being said, take risks for Kingdom sake! Dream big. Think from an eternity standpoint. Let me close with Wilkes comment to his daughter, "Price alone does not determine value!"