knowing the risk and reward
“David asked the men standing around him, ‘What will be done to the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel?’” (1 Sam 17:26)
Every entrepreneur must determine the risk and reward before entering into a venture. This is not the only consideration. We must consider all factors to determine whether God is leading us. We should also consider whether the time is right to move forward.
David was a young shepherd when he was bringing food for his older brothers in the army. During his tenure as a shepherd he had already killed a lion and a bear. David understood the risk/reward principle. When he heard about Goliath and that no one was willing to fight him he became angry. However, he did not respond only out of pure emotion. He asked a very important question. “What will be done to the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel?” He got the answer he was hoping for: “The king will give a lot of money to the man who kills him. He will also marry his daughter to him and exempt her father’s family from taxes in Israel.” (1 Sam 17:25).
Do you see the reward? He gets financial assets, a wife, and doesn’t have to pay taxes anymore! What more inspiration could a young Jewish boy need? Does this take away the spiritual importance of the story? Absolutely not.
Religious sentiment always tries to make the commercial side of faith bad. Money and profit are not bad. It is the love of money and pride in life that puts a man in trouble. David understood the proper balance of their coexistence to fulfill God’s purposes. To avoid getting into trouble, just ask yourself this question: “What is the true purpose of my heart?” If the spiritual element and the business element are not balanced, you may be in trouble. Before moving forward in any venture, ask God four questions:
1) Is the Holy Spirit leading me?
2) Is it time to join?
3) Are the risks and rewards worth it?
4) Do I have what it takes to succeed?
Venture with God’s help?
After asking these questions, do your work wholeheartedly.
