Dare.
It’s a word we often associate with bravery, with grand deeds, or with facing fear. But when Paul writes about daring in 2 Corinthians 11:20-21, he does so with an almost ironic undertone:
“Whatever anyone else dares to boast about—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast about.”
What does he mean here?
Daring means showing courage, having confidence, or taking a bold step. Here, Paul dares to show vulnerability. He doesn’t compare himself out of arrogance but to highlight that true daring lies in staying faithful to your calling, even if it makes you appear weak in the eyes of others. He refuses to be lured by shallow displays of power. Instead, he chooses to embrace his weakness because it is precisely there that God’s strength becomes visible.
As a spiritual leader, you often find yourself in tension. The world around us demands certainty, success—however that might be measured—and visible results. But the calling of a leader in God’s Kingdom requires a different kind of daring. It asks for the courage to be vulnerable, to go against the current, and to openly acknowledge your dependence on God.
Daring doesn’t mean always being strong. It means daring to embrace your weakness. It means having the honesty to admit your struggles and limitations. It means trusting in God’s strength, even when you have no idea how to move forward yourself.
The key
This kind of daring isn’t arrogance or bravado—it’s a humble choice. It’s the boldness to let God’s glory shine through our human weakness.
As a leader, do you dare to trust in God’s strength, even in your vulnerability? Do you dare to take the step of not trying to control everything yourself? It may feel foolish, as Paul says. But in that “foolishness” lies the key to the power God wants to give.
“We are fools for Christ, but you are so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are honored, we are dishonored.” (1 Corinthians 4:10)
I don’t know who exactly Paul’s critics were. But nearly 2,000 years later, I read Paul’s words every day. His courageous “foolishness” as a spiritual leader following Jesus has changed the world.
Be bold. Dare. Not in your own strength, but in His.
It’s a word we often associate with bravery, with grand deeds, or with facing fear. But when Paul writes about daring in 2 Corinthians 11:20-21, he does so with an almost ironic undertone:
“Whatever anyone else dares to boast about—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast about.”
What does he mean here?
Daring means showing courage, having confidence, or taking a bold step. Here, Paul dares to show vulnerability. He doesn’t compare himself out of arrogance but to highlight that true daring lies in staying faithful to your calling, even if it makes you appear weak in the eyes of others. He refuses to be lured by shallow displays of power. Instead, he chooses to embrace his weakness because it is precisely there that God’s strength becomes visible.
As a spiritual leader, you often find yourself in tension. The world around us demands certainty, success—however that might be measured—and visible results. But the calling of a leader in God’s Kingdom requires a different kind of daring. It asks for the courage to be vulnerable, to go against the current, and to openly acknowledge your dependence on God.
Daring doesn’t mean always being strong. It means daring to embrace your weakness. It means having the honesty to admit your struggles and limitations. It means trusting in God’s strength, even when you have no idea how to move forward yourself.
The key
This kind of daring isn’t arrogance or bravado—it’s a humble choice. It’s the boldness to let God’s glory shine through our human weakness.
As a leader, do you dare to trust in God’s strength, even in your vulnerability? Do you dare to take the step of not trying to control everything yourself? It may feel foolish, as Paul says. But in that “foolishness” lies the key to the power God wants to give.
“We are fools for Christ, but you are so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are honored, we are dishonored.” (1 Corinthians 4:10)
I don’t know who exactly Paul’s critics were. But nearly 2,000 years later, I read Paul’s words every day. His courageous “foolishness” as a spiritual leader following Jesus has changed the world.
Be bold. Dare. Not in your own strength, but in His.