Monthly Archives: August 2013

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Alone Or In A Group – Which Is Best?

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This is the fourth in a series of posts on recommendations I would make to someone at the beginning stages of deciding to use their business as a platform for Christian ministry. While this list of recommendations is not exhaustive, it should be a great start on which to build. Today we address joining a group.

group

Recap

So far, we have covered a lot of ground in this series. If you are just now joining us and have not read the other posts, you should go back and read them now. Here are the three recommendations we have discussed up to now:

    Recommendation #1 – Pray

    Recommendation #2 – Read Proverbs

    Recommendation #3 – Become An Expert

Each of these three recommendations build on each other so it is pretty important you follow them in the order presented. Of course, you do not have to fully complete one before you start the next one…just begin them in the order listed. Let’s talk about the next one.

Recommendation #4 – Join A Group

For the same reasons you need to join a church body when you become a Christian, I am recommending that you join a group of other Christian business owners and leaders. Just in case you are not clear on these specific reasons, I will go through them for you.

Fellowship – When you are able to spend time in fellowship with like-minded people, there is a bond that develops. You are able to discuss similar challenges and victories. You will find out that you are not alone in your struggles. You are not the only one with spiritual opposition to what you are trying to do through the business. This knowledge is empowering!

Accountability – In addition to learning that there are others in your same boat, you will figure out that making commitments for improvement is much more effective when you are making them to a group. It is difficult to face your peers and confess to lapses in judgment or failure to achieve objectives. The threat of having to do this will often be just the push you need to get you started on a project you have been delaying.

Perspective – When you hang out only with those people who have your same perspective (fellow employees or partners) on you business, you tend to all agree on solutions, strategy, etc. When you seek wisdom from a group with diverse perspectives, you will find solutions you never considered. You will be asked questions you would not have asked yourself. There is tremendous value in this.

Counsel – Proverbs repeats many times that we are to seek godly counsel. While reading God’s Word is a great source of godly counsel, so is a group of godly Christians. A solid group of Christian business people can provide wisdom and advice that will often confirm what you have read in the Bible or vice versa. Trying to go it alone is often a recipe for disaster.

Other Group Benefits

While there are likely many other benefits I could list, I think you get the idea. In fact, it is likely you already knew this to be the case and have experienced the results from a group like this in other areas of your life. I can promise you that you will see similar results from making this same idea a priority for your business.

I have mentioned many times on this blog that I am a member of a C12 group. In fact, both of my brothers are members of C12 groups as well. We have found immeasurable benefits to our commitments to these groups and would not give them up for anything. I have found C12 to be an integral part of our efforts to leverage our business as a platform for Christian ministry.

Do The Research!

If there is a C12 group in your area, I highly recommend you take the time to visit a meeting and see if it is a fit for you. If there is not a C12 group in your area, don’t stop there. Go online and find out if there is something similar available. Check with your church to see if there is a small group with business as the common denominator. If all else fails, start one yourself! Why not?!?

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10:25

What benefits have you seen from being in a group setting?

What is stopping you from joining this kind of group?

What next step do you need to take?

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Recommendation #3 – Become An Expert

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This is the third in a series of posts on recommendations I would make to someone at the beginning stages of deciding to use their business as a platform for Christian ministry. While this list of recommendations is not exhaustive, it should be a great start on which to build. Today we will look at becoming an expert.

expert

Recommendations #1 & #2

So far in this series, I have given you two recommendations that I believe are critical in beginning the process of using your business as a platform for Christian ministry. Recommendation #1 was Pray. Recommendation #2 was to Read Proverbs. If you have not read about these recommendations, I strongly suggest you go back and do so now.

Now that we are all caught up, let’s move on to my third recommendation:

Recommendation #3 – Become An Expert

In his Catalyst 2012 session, Eugene Cho talked about how to start something from scratch. As someone who has started his own ministry (while pastoring a church), he knows what he is talking about.

His first point, like mine, was to pray and be sure of the passion that God is planting in your heart. His second recommendation was to become an expert in your field. He suggested that we dig in and learn all we can about the area in which we plan to minister.

If feeding the poor, learn all there is to know about the specific needs of the poor in your area. Learn about their demographics (ages, level of education, health issues, etc) and what types of food will meet their needs. Figure out how much is going to be needed and what that will cost over time. Eliminate any areas of doubt or unknowns. Do not be found short in knowledge.

Same Is True For Us

I think the same is true for our businesses AND for how to use them as ministries. Most likely you are already learning all you can learn about your own industry and how to be successful in your business within that industry.

It is just as likely that you have not achieved that same level of knowledge when it comes to how to use your business as a platform for Christian ministry. Most of us never have time for something like this. We are too busy learning our business. Besides…isn’t seeking to be an expert expecting too hard?

Expert Takes Time

Fortunately, you do not have to become an expert overnight. This is a marathon, not a sprint. All you need to do is recognize the need, layout a simple plan for continuous learning, and then execute that plan! Easy, right?

Actually, it is! In addition to reading Proverbs as a business manual, I can tell you that there is more information online about running a Christian business than you will ever be able to read. Not all of it is perfect or absolutely true for every situation. At the same time, when read with discernment and prayer, there is an almost endless supply of information.

There are also countless books on the subject. I have a list of some of my favorites on my Reading List here on this site.

One Bite At A Time

My suggestion is to carve out a certain amount of time every week for reading. Maybe it is ten minutes every morning as a part of your quiet time with God. It might be something you do while eating lunch by yourself once a week. It could even be what you do to wind down before going to bed at night.

If you will do this, over a period of months and years, you will find yourself an expert in using your business as a platform for Christian ministry. Do not try to make it happen overnight. It is not necessary. Nor is it healthy to approach it this way. Instead, make it a manageable part of your weekly routine. I promise you will see the results in time.

Starter List

In an effort to get you started at being an expert, I have compiled (below) a list of some websites that could help. This is NOT an exhaustive list. You can likely find many more if you will take the time to look. At the same time, this is a great start. Take a look and let me know what you think!

The High Calling

Great Leaders Serve

Susan DiMickele

Christian Business Crossroads

Marketplace Leaders

Jon Gordon

WorkMatters

In His Name HR

To A Higher Level

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Read Proverbs As A Christian Business Manual!

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This is the second in a series of posts on recommendations I would make to someone at the beginning stages of deciding to use their business as a platform for Christian ministry. While this list of recommendations is not exhaustive, it should be a great start on which to build. Today’s post looks at the book of Proverbs.

Proverbs

Recommendation #1 – Pray

In my last post, I tried to lay the foundation for this series of posts. I also gave you my first recommendation – to pray! While I admitted this recommendation may not sound earth-shattering, I also pointed out how critical it is for you to pray earnestly about your situation and the future to which God is calling you. If you have not read that post, now is the time to do so – read it here!

Now that we have covered the first recommendation – prayer – let’s take a look at the next one.

Recommendation #2 – Read Proverbs

If you have been a Christian very long, someone has told you about the easy daily devotion plan of reading one chapter in Proverbs every day for a month. Since there are 31 chapters, it fits well into a calendar month. If you have not done this, then you are missing out.

At the same time, I am going to give you another chance to read Proverbs. Whether you choose to read one chapter a day or not is up to you. All I am asking is that you change your glasses.

Change Your Glasses

Now, do not assume that I am speaking about a literal pair of glasses. No, I am instead referring to a figurative pair of glasses. These glasses are your business glasses. They are the glasses you look through when you think about your business and how you are to operate it.

Rather than reading through Proverbs the way you normally would, I want you to read it as a business manual. That’s right! If it helps, assume it is the latest Jim Collins volume or that Jack Welch wrote the intro. Whatever you need to think in order to pique your interest in this way, I am fine with it.

Of course, the truth is that the true Author of Proverbs is the original Creator of business. He knows all there is to know about business and has shared much of this truth in this book. It is freely offered to you. All you have to commit is your time.

Pray first

Before you start, remember Recommendation #1 – Pray. Pray that God will speak to you through the words you read. Pray that He will pour His wisdom into your heart and mind in a way that directs you as you lead the business. Pray that you will gain insights through the various readings and that you will know exactly how to apply them to the operation of your business.

No Other Aids

I am not recommending a study guide or a workbook in this case. While they may exist, I think this strategy works best when it is just you and the Author and His words. I believe you will gain understanding you never imagined. I believe you will get much more from the experience if you limit the text to Proverbs alone and allow the Holy Spirit to do His work.

What will you find? Honestly, I have no earthly idea! Sure, there are obvious examples I could cite that easily apply to business. You don’t need me to tell you that. No, the insights I am referring to will come straight from God.

A Personal Example

Just to prime the pump, I will share the first example that came to me when I began to read Proverbs this way. Keep in mind that this was God speaking to ME. You may see something different in this passage than I did. That’s fine! I will simply share what it said to me and how I applied it.

I began reading Proverbs as a business manual while reading Business By The Book: Complete Guide of Biblical Principles for the Workplace, by Larry Burkett. It was an amazing experience for me for a couple of reasons. First, I had never thought of the idea. It made sense, but was completely new to me. Second, God started speaking to me through the very first chapter! That was enough to hook me!

Here, Use My Glasses!

I want us to take a look at the passage, but first I want you to put on MY business glasses for a moment. I am in the car business. Our industry is plagued with a bad reputation (often earned and deserved!) for taking advantage of people when they are trying to buy a car. Car salespeople are notorious for getting rich off of others and often characterized as sharks, right?

So, at the time I read this for the first time with my business glasses on, I was aware of the reputation of our industry and was desperately trying to figure out where to start in cleaning it up in our business. I knew it had to be done, but I was not sure where to start.

Proverbs From My View

With these glasses on, read this excerpt from Proverbs 1:

My son, if sinners entice you,
don’t be persuaded.
If they say—“Come with us!
Let’s set an ambush and kill someone.
Let’s attack some innocent person just for fun!
Let’s swallow them alive, like Sheol,
still healthy as they go down to the Pit.
We’ll find all kinds of valuable property
and fill our houses with plunder.
Throw in your lot with us,
and we’ll all share our money”
my son, don’t travel that road with them
or set foot on their path,
because their feet run toward trouble
and they hurry to commit murder.
Proverbs 1:10-16

What are your thoughts at this point? Do you see the parallels between this picture and a car deal? For me, it was like a lightening bolt in the heart. I knew this was a fair (though somewhat extreme) characterization of a traditional car deal. At least the intents were similar. I also knew I had to change that.

Our Response

As a result of this revelation, we went on to completely overhaul our entire sales process. Based on another verse later in Proverbs, we established a system where the pricing was pre-discounted and fixed and the salespeople were no longer paid to extract more profit from the customer.

The transition was expensive and difficult. And while this change may not be for everyone, it was clear to us that we had to take dramatic action to align with Scripture.

God Will Speak!

As I said, your experience will likely be different from mine. God will speak to you in ways that are specific to your situation and challenges. While I cannot tell you what He will say, I can promise that He will say something. And you will be amazed!

Have you ever read Proverbs in this way?

What have you found that you could apply to your business?

Are you willing to give it a try?

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Lead For God’s Sake – Book Giveaway!!!

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[title color=”orange-vibrant” align=”scmgccenter” font=”georgia” style=”normal” size=”scmgc-7em”]Free Book Give Away!!![/title]

Lead...for God's sake

Another Free Book Give Away?

You read that right! I am offering a free copy of Todd Gongwer’s book, LEAD…For God’s Sake!: A Parable for Finding the Heart of Leadership!

How Do You Win?

If you scroll down just a bit you will see the Rafflecopter entry form which outlines a bunch of ways to enter the LEAD…For God’s Sake! giveaway. Just complete as many as you would like to be entered to win!

Why Am I Doing This?

I started this blog in an effort to spread the message of integrating the Christian faith into our businesses. I want to see more Christian business owners and leaders begin looking at their businesses from an eternal perspective and running them as platforms for Christian ministry.

While I know my posts are written toward this effort, I thought I would try to step it up a notch for 2013. My plan is to give away one book a month for the entire year! All I am asking from you is to follow the Rafflecopter instructions below. As you enter, you will be helping me to spread the word about this blog at the same time. We both win!

This Month’s Book: Todd Gongwer’s Lead…For God’s Sake!

…an engaging and compelling narrative. As a business leader I found its takeaways right on target. I wasn’t able to put it down. It’s that good!
–John Beckett, Chairman, the Beckett Companies, Author, Loving Mondays

This is a book I could not put down until I finished it. Every parent, coach, manager, and leader should read it. I wish I had read it 30 years ago. –Lou Holtz, Former Notre Dame Head Football Coach

I wish LEAD…For God’s Sake! had been available to my classes and seminars for business and practitioners over the last twenty five years. It is that good…an engaging story you won t want to put down. –Dr. John E. Mulford, Former Dean of the School of Business; Director Center for Entrepreneurship, Regent University

Enter The Give Away

Follow the instructions below to enter the Lead…For God’s Sake! contest and then spread the word to others! The contest ends at midnight on Saturday, August 31st and the winner will be announced on Sunday, September 1st.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Advice For A New Christian Business Leader

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I was recently speaking with someone about using business as a platform for Christian ministry and was asked a great question. She wanted to know what advice I would give another Christian business leader that was just recognizing the mindset of business as Christian ministry. What would I tell them to get them started on the right path?

advice

Start Of A Series!

As I thought about how to answer the question in that context, I also thought about how that would make a great post – even series – for this blog. (I am sorry, but I often get these thoughts in the middle of conversations!) As a result, I am starting a 5-part series on the advice I would give you if you are interested in using your business or job as a platform for Christian ministry.

In this first post, I want to lay the groundwork and then tackle the very first recommendation I have. Hopefully, you will get something out of this series, even if you have been doing Christian ministry through your business for years now. Maybe there is something you can revisit (like me!) or something you never did but can go back and handle today!

Target Audience

I am writing this post to someone who has heard about Christian business and is intrigued by the idea. Maybe you have progressed from intrigue to a real interest in using your business to impact people for eternity. It could be that you have even resisted pursuing it for one reason or another.

Regardless, you are either very close to pulling the trigger and moving forward OR you have just pulled the trigger and realized you do not know where to start! If that describes you, then this advice is for you.

Check My Advice

I will go ahead and tell you that I am NOT an expert. I cannot tell you all that you need to know about this subject. I will say that some of my advice may even be wrong for you. All I can promise is that I have been doing it myself for almost 10 years now and I will share from my heart. You then are responsible for discerning what will and will not work for you.

Now that I am through with the disclaimers, let’s dive in and tackle the first recommendation!

Recommendation #1 – Pray

While I am sure you are in awe over my keen insight and the intellect that must be present in order for me to come up with this advice, I ask you to hold your judgment until I am finished. Maybe this sounds simple and assumed. In fact, I know it does. At the same time, I feel it is so important (and often neglected) that I am willing to risk your ridicule!

When I say pray, I mean several things. Actually, I mean for you to pray about several things. Let’s start with the first prayer – a clear heart and mind.

Different Goals For Prayer

My advice is that you pray first that God would clear your heart and mind of any and all distractions, motives, and desires. Pray that He would erase your preconceived notions of what you are being called to do. Ask Him to give you a completely fresh perspective on whatever it is that He is going to share with you next.

Next, I want you to pray for clarity of purpose. Notice I am not talking about strategy, resources, or results. While these are important, their time will come later. All you want from Him at the beginning is a very clear and compelling purpose to be planted in your heart.

Clear Picture Of Purpose

As you are doing this, pray that He would give you a picture of what should be. Andy Stanley, in his book called Visioneering, refers to the gap between what is and what should be. You want God to put a vivid picture in your heart of what it is He wants you to pursue. For me, it was silhouettes. For Joseph, it was a couple of dreams. For you, it will look different.

Regardless of the differences in our pictures, you need something that you can refer back to over and over as opposition and difficulties come your way. You need to ask God to sow this seed of a clear purpose for your specific Christian ministry. Over time, this vision will grow and His desires for how He will accomplish it through you will become more clear.

Strength And Commitment

Next, you need to pray for strength and commitment. What you are about to undertake is not for the faint of heart. While it seems harmless enough, it is anything but. You are putting on the uniform of Christ and stepping out onto the battlefield for His kingdom.

Not only are you declaring your loyalty to Him, you are also doing it in a realm (the business world) where the enemy reigns for a time. This is not a common position for a businessperson to take and it is one the enemy hates. As a result, you can expect to see more than your fair share of opposition. You need to start praying now for the strength to withstand it.

Give Thanks!

Finally, you need to give thanks that He has put you in a position like this. The tougher roles are reserved for those with stronger faith. While you are not yet completely ready for what you will face, He sees the potential you have and deems it worthy of the job. For that, you should be very thankful!

Stay tuned for more advice to come in future posts!

Have you prayed for God to give you a clear purpose picture?

What other issues should you pray about?

Do you agree with this advice to pray first?

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Visual Fixation As A Strategy!

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Jesus tells us we are not to worry about the material things of this world, but are instead to focus on the eternal. He says we are to seek first His kingdom, not the temporal things of this world. That may be easy to do for a moment or two, but how are we supposed to maintain this fixation?

fixation

Visual Fixation

If you have ever ridden a motorcycle, you have experienced the dangers of visual fixation. Imagine riding a motorcycle on a narrow two-lane mountain road. You are enjoying the twists and turns of the trip up the mountain. At the same time, you are fairly nervous as you try to keep you and your motorcycle in the middle of your lane.

This is difficult because there are cars and trucks coming at you on your left. If you let your bike drift too close to the yellow line, you could easily find yourself catching your handlebars on their side view mirror (or worse!).

On your right side is a significant drop-off down the side of the mountain you are climbing. Sure, there is a guardrail that is supposed to keep you from falling, but you are not sure that would help if you ran into it. You are determined not to find out!

Visual Fixation Dangers

This is where visual fixation comes into play. See, if you allow your eyes to become fixed on either side – the yellow line OR the guardrail – then you and your motorcycle will naturally drift toward that point. It will not happen suddenly, but will sneak up on you before you know it.

In an effort to prevent this from happening, you are instead taught not to fix your eyes on any given point. Initially, you may not even take this instruction seriously. However, let your eyes fixate one time on that guardrail and you will quickly find out that this is no joke!

So what does this have to do with maintaining an eternal perspective?

Good question!

Turn To Your Advantage!

My answer is that I think there is a principle in this idea of visual fixation that we can turn to our advantage! Rather than avoiding a fixation on something, I am suggesting that we embrace the idea.

See, I believe that God desires our fixation on Him. I believe that Scripture points us to this fixation and calls us to embrace it. Take a look at these examples:

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:18

Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest.
Hebrews 3:1

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.
Hebrews 12:1-2

The Enemy’s Strategy

I also believe the enemy knows this and is just as determined to prevent it.

If you think about it, everything that is thrown at you by the world is a distraction or decoy. Most often, it is not what it appears. At first, you are led to believe whatever it is will fulfill you, but in the end you realize it only disappoints. This is fine with the enemy. All he wants to do is interrupt your fixation on God!

Fixation On Jesus

If we can somehow use this visual fixation to our advantage, I think you can see what happens. Rather than allowing ourselves to be distracted by the enemy, we focus with more determination on fixating our eyes on Jesus and our relationship with Him.

Instead of getting sidetracked by the countermeasures thrown at us by the world, we choose to glue our eyes on the One that created us and will supply our every need. We do this simply by creating the disciplines in our lives that we know should already be there: Bible study, prayer, small group and one-on-one accountability, etc.

Maybe not suddenly, but over time we will begin to see our lives drift more and more toward God. Over time, our thoughts and actions will begin to reflect an eternal perspective rather than a temporal one. Before we realize it, we are locked in and seeing eternal fruit!

Examples

What would this look like?

You get a bonus in your paycheck and your first thought is not to spend it on a new toy. Instead, without even trying, your mind jumps to an opportunity you recently saw to help someone else. You act on it.

Someone asks to meet you for lunch to discuss a personal issue on the same day you had lunch plans with your best friends. You choose the person in need over your friends.

Business is not great and you are concerned about the end of the month results. At the same time, you are notified that your employee assistance program is paying out more than it is taking in. It doesn’t even cross your mind to shut it down or even decrease what it is paying out. You realize it is simply a cost of having an eternal perspective.

While I would not recommend trying this on a motorcycle, I think this visual fixation could really work in our Christian walk!

How do you maintain a fixation on Jesus?

Have you allowed your fixation to fade lately?

What action steps do you need to take today?

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Focused On The Eternal Perspective?

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When most of us think about the future, what we think about often depends on our age. So much of the focus of our thoughts depends upon what the world has told us we need to be thinking about at our age. Despite Scripture to the contrary, we worry about temporal things instead of focusing on things from an eternal perspective.

eternal perspective

God Will Provide

In my last post, we looked at a passage in Matthew 6:25-32 in which Jesus teaches us not to worry about the temporal things of this world. He tells us that God knows our temporal needs and that He will provide for us because of His love for us.

We discussed how difficult it is for us to avoid thinking (and worrying) about these things because our flesh is so weak. Knowing this is true, what are we to do?

First Priority

I think the first priority should be determining what we should be focusing on. If we want to get our thoughts off of the wrong things, it helps to know what the right things are, right?

To figure this out, let’s look at the next verse in that same passage, as well as two related verses.

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.
Matthew 6:33

So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:18

Fight the good fight for the faith; take hold of eternal life that you were called to and have made a good confession about in the presence of many witnesses.
1 Timothy 6:12

Eternal Perspective?

Based on what you read here, what is it that you think you should be focused on right now? What perspective should you have as you go through this life here and now?

I think it is clear that our thoughts should be focused on the eternal perspective, not on the temporal worries of this life. Instead of worrying about our retirement or the travel we are going to enjoy, we should instead be focused on impacting other people for eternity by pointing them to God and sharing His love with them!

Somehow, we need to learn to stop allowing our minds to be occupied with the stream of material desires, social status, and career success. Thoughts of the kind of car we drive (hurts ME to say!) and the clothes we wear should take be replaced by thoughts of how we can best meet the needs of those around us in a way that points them to God.

Don’t Miss The Point!

The point of this is NOT to simply stop spending on ourselves and start giving it away to others. Not at all!

The point is that we should begin to look at our existence in light of a 1,000 year picture instead of the next 30 days, 18 months, or 5-10 years. This is the eternal perspective. When we do this, the worries of today fade and suddenly we begin to realize how meaningless these thoughts are in light of eternity.

When we realize that our actions today could mean the difference between someone else spending an eternity with God or separated from Him, our actions begin to change.

When we realize that 1,000 years from now it will be too late to share the love of Jesus with someone who does not know Him, our attitude toward money will change.

Eternal Perspective!

We we stop focusing on what is seen and begin to focus on what is unseen, then we are seeking first His kingdom. We are taking hold of the eternal life we were called to. It is then we are fighting the good fight. It is then we are seeing from an eternal perspective.

I realize this is easier said than done. I struggle with this myself, probably more than you do. At the same time, I am determined not to give up on myself. I am committed to continue training my thoughts to seek the eternal. It is not an easy battle, but it is one I will not quit fighting.

Stay Tuned!

In my next post, I plan to give some tips on how we can fight this battle. Stay tuned!

Do you have trouble seeing this life from an eternal perspective?

What is your biggest challenge in changing this mindset?

What are the potential downsides of seeing from the eternal perspective?

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What Do You Think About?

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When someone mentions “your future” to you, what is the first idea that comes to your mind? Depending on your age, it could be any number of things that pop into your head. The question I would pose is this…what should you think about?

think

What Do You Think About?

If you are really young (under 30 yrs. old), you probably thought of finishing school or starting a career. Maybe you thought about getting married or even beginning or growing your family. If you are more forward-thinking than the average person, you may have thought briefly about retirement!

Someone a little older (maybe 30-45 yrs. old) likely considered a promotion, funding college for their children, and maybe even what life as an empty-nester might look like. Travel probably entered their mind. Retirement likely registered, but probably still looks like it is a long way off.

For someone in their 50’s or 60’s, retirement is more at the forefront of their mind. Things like grandchildren growing up is probably on their mind. There is also the chance that a fear of the nation’s current financial strength is occupying their thoughts, possibly delaying their retirement or limiting their dreams of travel.

If you are in your 70’s or 80’s, your thoughts are different. Maybe you are concerned about the legacy you will leave behind. It could be that you are no longer concerned with many of the issues mentioned above, but are instead focused on enjoying every day to its fullest.

Worldly Thoughts

While I may have missed you in the descriptions above, I think you get the point. What we think about the future really depends on our age and our perception of how much longer we have here. The world has trained us to think about certain things at certain ages and we normally follow suit.

The problem is that this line of thinking, regardless of our age, is not in line with what we are told in God’s Word about the future. Think about the following verses for a moment…

“This is why I tell you: Don’t worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the sky: They don’t sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth more than they?

Can any of you add a single cubit to his height by worrying? And why do you worry about clothes? Learn how the wildflowers of the field grow: they don’t labor or spin thread. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was adorned like one of these! If that’s how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and thrown into the furnace tomorrow, won’t He do much more for you—you of little faith?

So don’t worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ For the idolaters eagerly seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.

Matthew 6:25-32

What Is Your Response?

First, I am sure you are familiar with these words of Jesus. Most likely you have heard them before. You may have even heard a sermon preached on this passage. If that is the case, why are you still worrying about these things? Why do the temporary things still occupy your thoughts?

The truth is we can learn this principle, attempt to apply it, and within a short period of time we forget it. The pressures of this world break down our wills to trust God. Pretty soon we are back to worrying about the very things He tells us not to worry about!

We Cannot Give Up

Have you experienced this? I can promise you I have. In fact, despite the fact that I am posting about this very topic this morning, I will be guilty in some way of failing to live it out before the day is over!

Even though this is true, we simply cannot give up on trying to follow the instructions Jesus has given us. We cannot just chalk it up to weak flesh and quit fighting it.

So what are we supposed to do? What should we think about? How are we supposed to maintain that focus?

To Be Continued

In my next two posts I will try to answer those questions. In the meantime, I encourage you to be praying that God will reveal your heart to you. Pray that He will show you where you are failing in this effort and where you are doing well. Ask Him to teach you what He expects from you in this area!

Is your mind full of the things of this life?

Are these the topics you want to think about?

What would you prefer to think about? Why?

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Culture Victory!

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Every once in a while I get frustrated with the business I am in. Either the month does not turn out like I thought it should or something goes wrong that I was not expecting. Whatever the case, it is always nice when something happens at the same time that makes it all worth it – especially when that something is related to the culture we are trying to create.

culture

Recent Culture Example

While I will not go into too much detail (in an effort to protect the innocent!), I will give you a rough sketch of what happened. Hopefully you can get some encouragement that your efforts in this area of culture will bear similar fruit over time!

One of our employees had a very critical, time-sensitive situation that required additional money they did not have. Hearing about this situation, a co-worker made the quick decision to seek assistance from our Impact Fund. As a result, the employee was able to successfully resolve their situation in a way they would remember for the rest of their life.

Without My Knowledge!

While this is pretty amazing to me on its own, the more incredible part of this situation is that I knew nothing about it until days later! We are not a huge company, but clearly I cannot always know what is happening in the life of every employee. None of us can.

At one point in time, this frustrated me because it meant we could not help those whose needs went unnoticed by me. As badly as I wanted us to be able to meet every need as it came up, it just wasn’t feasible. I knew there was not really anything we could directly do about it, but it bothered me just the same.

Culture & Process

What COULD be done was to engage the other leaders in the company and create a process that could address the individual needs of the employees as they came up. This process, reinforced with a culture of serving and giving, could address this overall need. That is what brought about our Impact Fund.

Effectively, this is a fund made up of voluntary contributions from employees. The money is deducted from their paycheck each pay period according to whatever amount they choose. Some give $2 per pay period and others give $50.

This money is accrued as given. It is only used to meet employee needs that come up in emergencies. It may be a family health crises or a community disaster like damage from a tornado. It could be as simple as supplementing their utility bill payment or putting gas in their car.

Victory!

It is not a complex process and fortunately does not require onerous paperwork or applications. If there is a valid need that can be met with a reasonable amount of money, the decision is made quickly and the funds disbursed immediately. Obviously, based on the recent situation I described, it is working as intended. To quote a friend of mine, “Victory!”

It is exciting to see results like this come from such a process. It is more exciting to see it happening without my knowledge. It is a reflection of the culture we have been working to create over many years.

It is also a reflection of the quality people we have working here. It makes me very proud to be a part of this company.

What kind of culture are you creating?

Is your culture constantly being reinforced?

What kind of culture victories have you seen?