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Leadership Principle #4 - Risk is a prerequisite

September 8, 2010

If you ever plan to be a leader, in any situation, it will involve risk. There is no way around this fact. Leadership requires an openness to go where no one else will go, do what others wont, become what others dare not be, and attempt what most say can never be done at the risk of failure. Nehemiah was just such a leader.

After hearing the news of the condition of his countrymen, Nehemiah had an emotional meltdown. He was so deeply burdened that he cried, fasted and prayed for months over the situation. Yet, Nehemiah was unable to allow his emotions to become public. As a Cupbearer for the King, he was charged with keeping his emotions in check. Nehemiah knew if he allowed his sadness to be seen in the courts of the King, he would risk everything. Possibly even his on life. So, Nehemiah prayed to God, “Grant me success today by making the King favorable to me…”  (Neh 1:11)

As Nehemiah approached the king, he could not hide his sadness any longer and the King took notice. The King asked Nehemiah, “Why are you looking so sad?” While the text doesn’t say so, I can almost see Nehemiah starting to sweat profusely and swallowing hard, as he composed himself in front of the King. However, the text does tell us that Nehemiah was terrified as he approached the king and shared his burden. On top of his sadness and courage to share the problem, Nehemiah had the audacity to ask the king for help. While, this may not seem too risky to you, it could have cost Nehemiah his life.

Nehemiah was willing to take a risk in order to help his people find meaning, wholeness, healing, and purpose in life. He was wiling to “buck the system” and lay it all on the line for the sake of progress. Whether you lead a small business, or a large corporation you must be willing to take risks for the sake of progress.

If you lead a church, risk is simply part of the calling. As with Christ, when you pick up the mantle of leadership, you lay down your desire for safety and ease. Those who are leading churches and feel it is a safe place to work until you retire, think again. Without risk there can be no forward motion. Without a willingness to risk, you will be a “blind man leading the blind”. 

Here is a saying you can take to the bank: Those who never attempt anything great, never accomplish anything of lasting substance. Those who are averse to risk, who love to play it safe and move with the political winds within their corporation or church, need to resign and find something more fitting that mindset. Forward motion will require risk. Failure to lead people forward is to doom them to apathy, drift, mediocrity, and ultimately death.

What are you being called to risk? What are you avoiding in order to remain in your cocoon of safety and ease?

Posted 9/8/2010 in Stephen Gray | 0 Comments - Add Comment