AP #6 The Moment to Move

There seems to be a delicate balance in life between courage and wisdom. In society, we often see how these two qualities are intertwined. When they exist in the right relationship and timing, great movements and personal growth can occur—but when they are out of balance, harm can follow.

Those who have courage but lack wisdom often intend to do good yet end up doing harm—sometimes more harm than good. Those who have wisdom but lack courage allow solvable problems and wrongdoings to continue. Those who lack both courage and wisdom must be led or taught by those who possess them. But those who have both courage and wisdom create real, lasting change.

So how do you know when you know enough—and when it’s time to act? How do you keep yourself from acting courageously yet ignorantly? Or, how do you develop courage in the first place? It’s a difficult balance to master because, in the age of social media, we see much ignorance that somehow accrues followers and likes, while some of the wisest people remain silent or unseen.

There’s a famous quote that says: “Experience (or wisdom) is what you get right after you needed it.” This suggests that wisdom is gained when you operate just outside your comfort zone—when you put yourself in difficult situations, try to solve complex problems, answer tough questions, or apply for a job you might not yet feel ready for.

I think we can explore the relationship between courage and wisdom in three areas: business, influence, and faith.

Courage and risk-taking dominate the landscape of business. Those who go all in—who risk more and invest more—often find success. Business is not always won by the most competent but often by the most confident.

Think about a business idea or investment you once had—only to later see an infomercial or an ad about it and want to kick yourself. Or the time someone got the promotion you knew you were more qualified for. We all want passive income, but we’re afraid to sign our name on the loan that would make it possible.

The business world rewards courage and perseverance through failure. This process creates wisdom. You can research stocks all day, but at some point, you must take the risk and invest. You can analyze rental properties endlessly, but eventually, you must make a purchase. You can study, earn degrees, and listen to podcasts about business—but at some point, you must start the business.

Of course, the more knowledge and wisdom you have, the better your chances after taking the risk. I’m not saying go in blind—but I firmly believe fear has killed more dreams than failure ever could.

In the world of influence and social media, the relationship between courage and wisdom seems reversed. We live in a time polluted with people who post boldly behind keyboards—reciting favorite podcasters and making sweeping claims with little to no consequences. While it takes a kind of courage to speak out, many lack the wisdom to post meaningful, thoughtful content.

When truly wise people gain influence, real change can happen. Yet algorithms favor engagement, not truth. They aren’t designed to improve society, create positive change, or care about people’s well-being.

It’s discouraging to see how many influencers gain huge followings for content that is brain-numbing or harmful. I’m not referring to entertainers but rather those making bold statements about politics, health, or faith with little real knowledge or experience. In a world where clickbait and outrageous claims get the views, I suggest we take time to research and discern who we listen to—especially regarding major topics like politics, health, and faith.

Throughout Scripture, there are countless examples of God preparing people through seasons of waiting—allowing them to gain wisdom and experience (Abraham, Samuel, and others). There are also moments when God calls people to act immediately in faith and courage, often through God’s strength rather than their own (like David facing Goliath). And sometimes, God requires us to act despite our inaction, as with Jonah.

Sometimes it’s clear what we should do. Other times, it’s vague. Often our fear or pride clouds our discernment.

God gives us discernment and calls us to pray for wisdom (James 1:5). We are called to be obedient, but Christians often fall into the trap of praying for miracles and answers that God has already given us. We must prepare now—by reading Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16–17), praying without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17), and seeking wise counsel (Proverbs 11:14)—so that when major decisions or times to act come, we are ready. The more we study the Word, the more we recognize how God acts and speaks.

We also learn that, regardless of our action or inaction, all things work together for the glory of God (Romans 8:28). But that doesn’t mean our actions don’t matter. God chose to use us to spread the Gospel and make disciples. Our obedience matters. We must guard against fear and pride, which the enemy uses to distract and destroy our mission.

Waiting and preparation are necessary, but so is acting in faith when we don’t feel ready. You can gain wisdom. Your faith can grow (2 Thessalonians 1:3), and your courage can grow. The first time you do something courageous, the second time becomes easier.

You are called to make a difference in this world. There’s a dangerous spectrum within the Church: false teachers misleading many, and wise Christians who fail to act. Some churches openly support unbiblical ideas, while others are so legalistic they miss the freedom of the cross when Jesus said, “It is finished.” Discernment and courage matter more than ever.

Being successful in business or finance doesn’t guarantee fulfillment, but it can provide options and freedom. Having influence or being socially active in the world doesn’t mean we are fulfilling our lives with purpose, but we do have an obligation to act and engage with those around us because societies advance or decline based on the actions—or inactions—of individuals. Being faithful and obedient matters for Christians. Since there is always a spiritual battle taking place, we must strive to discern whether our actions truly advance God’s mission—or if the enemy is trying to influence our actions in ways that hinder it.

I struggle with this topic deeply. I usually write about things I wrestle with myself. I often feel unqualified to write these newsletters—there are so many wiser people who could do it better. But I’ve also lived too long in inaction.

This newsletter is my attempt to act courageously before I feel competent enough to do so. I still pray for wisdom and discernment every day, unsure if I should be writing at all. I’ve missed opportunities because of the fear to act. I’ve made mistakes when I have taken action because of pride and ignorance. I share this because it’s real—and it’s a messy process.

I hope you seek wisdom and act courageously.