In the Civil War, Union General McClellan had been so successful that he became afraid to risk failure. This made him far too cautious because he had a flawless image to maintain. He was proud, having never been humbled through defeat (McPherson, Battle Cry of Freedom, p 359, 365). This led to procrastination, failure to act. Similarly, the wicked slave was so afraid of failing that he refused to take a risk (Mt 25:26-28).
A better approach toward failure is to realize that “failure is the opportunity to begin again more intelligently” (Henry Ford). Thomas Edison said that his 1,000 or more failures to produce a light bulb showed him what not to do. It brought him closer to success. This is because “the person who really thinks learns quite as much from his failures as from his successes” (John Dewey). Hence, failure can contribute to future success whereas refusal to risk failure guarantees failure. As William Smithburg, former Quaker Oats Chairman put it, “If you’re not falling down, you’re not learning.” Those who take risks will fail (Jas 3:2). For instance, the apostle Peter learned an incredible lesson in humility through his failure in denying that he knew Christ (Mt 26:69-75).
Field Marshal Slim’s troops were soundly defeated in Burma during 1942. However, he realized that the only way forward for a humiliated leader is to “forget what lies behind and press forward” (Phil 3:13). We must remember what was learned from the failure but not allow ourselves to focus on our disappointment, regrets, or continue to question our ability. Failures are opportunities. Let’s see them as such and not be beaten down by them.
Instead of being timid, learn to be appropriately bold.