Monthly Archives: November 2013

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Should A Business Give Publicly Or Privately?

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For the past two plus years, I have been writing this blog from a teaching perspective. Not that I have it all together, but I do figure you can learn from my victories and defeats! I also enjoy passing on what I am learning as God shows it to me. Today, I want to turn the tables and ask you, the reader, a question: Should a business give publicly or privately? I am sincerely looking for feedback here!

give publicly

Question Explained

Let me explain a little so the question is more clear. As Christian business owners that are interested in multiplying silhouettes, we want to give of our financial resources where we see the most potential for eternal impact. Typically, we do this behind the scenes and often with complete anonymity.

We are also business owners that see the need to build a brand for our business by participating in the community. One way to do this is to give publicly to causes that match up with our mission and vision AND to do this in such a way that generates public goodwill and word-of-mouth for the business. As Tom’s Shoes has shown, giving is good for business!

Give Publicly Or Privately?

So let me repeat the question:

Should a business give publicly or privately?

On one hand, the Bible makes it clear in the following verses that we are not to seek favor with men and that we should give in secret. Take a look:

So whenever you give to the poor, don’t sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be applauded by people. I assure you: They’ve got their reward! 3 But when you give to the poor, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Matthew 6:2-4

On the other hand, should this really apply to a business desiring to do what I have described? Sure, I know we could give publicly in such a way that would scream “Pride!” and make us look like spotlight seekers. That is a danger, but is there an alternative?

Can’t we give to like-minded causes, market that giving in a tasteful way, and build a better brand for the organization?

Your Thoughts?

Maybe I am taking too hard a look at this issue, but I really would like to hear your thoughts on the topic. Even if you have never commented on a blog before, if you have an opinion I would like to hear it!

Even better, if you can back up what you are saying with Scripture (even if you are not sure of the book/chapter/verse), please include that in your comments. If you are unsure of the exact verses, just give me your best description of it!

Have you struggled with this decision to give publicly or privately?

Do you have any Scripture references that apply here?

What would you do in this situation?

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Are You A Bridge Builder Of Relationships?

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Many of my posts on this blog are directed at Christian business owners or leaders who can choose how they share their Christian faith at work. Normally, they are not prohibited from doing so. But what about others of you? How are you to accomplish the same results when you are limited in how you share? I think the answer is in becoming a relationship bridge builder.

relationships

Limited In Sharing Christian Faith?

What I am about to share applies to all Christians, not just those in jobs where their Christian faith is unwelcome. The strategy works in virtually every situation. However, for the purposes of this post, I am going to direct my comments to those who ARE limited in sharing their Christian faith at work.

Daniel – Slave In Babylon

I want to start by looking at Daniel 1. In this chapter, we find out that Daniel is one of the exiles from Israel that was brought to Babylon to serve in the king’s court. Can you think of a more worldly job than to serve on the court of the king that just conquered Israel? Me either!

As we read on, we learn that Daniel was faced with defiling himself with the king’s food. Instead of compromise, Daniel persuaded the king’s chief official to allow he and his friends to eat vegetables instead of the offensive food.

This strategy worked. As a result, Daniel and his friends proved to be healthier than the other exiles. In fact, as servants in the court, they were found to be ten times better than any of the others.

While there is much to be learned from the entire book of Daniel about living out your Christian faith in a secular environment, I want to focus on just this one example. I encourage you to read the rest of the book of Daniel on your own for more learning.

Daniel – Bridge Builder

The point I want to make here is that Daniel was a bridge builder.

Daniel was not seen walking around the king’s palace with a bull horn, screaming about the injustices of having to eat something that conflicted with his Christian faith. He did not raise a stink by filing a petition with the king.

Neither was he seen silently sulking about his predicament. He did not whine about it or make excuses about why he could not be intentional or proactive about his faith!

Intentional Relationships

Instead, he pulled the king’s chief official off to the side and made a deal with him. Daniel knew the chief’s motivation was to look good in front of the king. Daniel played to this and built a relationship with this official that served to meet both of their needs.

Notice a couple of points here. Daniel and his friends were rewarded by God for their faithfulness. He gave them favor with the chief official. He gave them knowledge and wisdom and He gave them favor with the king in future chapters when Daniel was able to interpret dreams for him.

At the same time, it is clear that Daniel continued to operate as a servant in the king’s court. He did so by doing his job and doing it well, better than any around him. As a result, he was able to establish relationships that would later result in the king actually saying the following:

Your God is indeed God of gods, Lord of kings!
Daniel 2:47

Relationships In The Workplace

What we need to understand is how to take this example and replicate it in our workplaces. If we can do this, there are some amazing possibilities. People you think would be the last to acknowledge God will shock you with their turn-around!

If you want to see the results Daniel saw, then you need to do what he did.

1.) Trust God.
Rather than fretting over his circumstances (his home country was ransacked and he was carried into slavery), Daniel trusted God for His will to be done. Daniel remained faithful to God, but did so in a way that allowed him to build relationships where he was. He put his full faith in God and relied on Him for the results.

We need to do the same thing in our jobs. Even when it looks like there is no way we can influence others toward God, we need to trust God that He knows a way. Keep your eyes open and be on the lookout for the relationships He will use.

2.) Do your job better than anyone else!
Rather than throwing a pity party at the limits he faced in his new surroundings, Daniel threw himself into his job and did it better than anyone around him. He did not just get by, but excelled. This excellence helped with his bridge-building, at first with the court official and later with the king himself!

Take this same approach with your job. It doesn’t matter that your boss or owner is not a Christian. Work harder and smarter than anyone around you and set yourself apart. The reward will come – probably in a way you least expect it. And it may be more than you could hope for!

3.) Reach out.
Daniel did not allow his circumstances to dictate how he would exercise his faith. He was bold and reached out to those around him. I am sure Daniel had no idea that his plan to do so would eventually put him in front of the king. He simply knew that God had placed him there for a purpose and he knew that relationships could help with that purpose.

You and I need to think the same way. The relationships we build may be the ones that allow us to share our faith right there OR they may lead to other relationships that will. Either way, we must be bold and reach out to build them. God will use them!

Have you seen the evangelistic benefit of building relationships?

Can you look back and see missed relationship opportunities?

Who do you know right now that you need to reach out to?

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Henry Cloud’s “Necessary Endings” Book Giveaway!

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necessary endings

Another Free Book Give Away?

You read that right! I am offering a free copy of Dr. Henry Cloud’s book, Necessary Endings: The Employees, Businesses, and Relationships that All of Us Have to Give Up in Oder to Move Forward!

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 Necessary Endings 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: Dr. Henry Cloud’s Necessary Endings

“Through specific strategies for ending things well, Cloud advocates for powerful personal changes…and will give many readers the fresh start they crave.” (Publishers Weekly)

“If you’re hesitant to pull the trigger when things obviously aren’t working out, Henry Cloud’s Necessary Endings may be the most important book you read all year.” (Dave Ramsey, New York Times bestselling author of The Total Money Makeover)

“Much of what we do each day is an unnecessary waste of time and energy. This book will challenge you put a stop to things that have been getting in your way for a long time.” (Tom Rath, bestselling author of Strengths-Based Leadership)

“Having written five books about the seasons of life, I can tell you that necessary endings are the hard part. Henry Cloud is a wise, experienced, and compassionate guide through these turbulent passages.” (Bob Buford, bestelling author of Halftime and Finishing Well; founder, Leadership Network)

Enter The Give Away

Follow the instructions below to enter the Necessary Endings contest and then spread the word to others! The contest ends at midnight on Saturday, November 30th and the winners will be announced on Monday, December 2nd.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Do You React Or Respond?

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Every once in a while, I come across a situation where I am really tempted to lash out or react in a way that does not represent my Christian faith very well. If you are never tempted in this way, then I admire you! For the rest of you who face the same temptation, let me continue with a most recent example.

react

Too Busy!

After some employee turnover a couple of weeks ago, my workload has dramatically increased. It was especially bad for the first week while I spent hours on the phone and computer with vendors and manufacturer reps getting updated on our status. Unfortunately, during this time, I was not very good about returning phone calls.

To be more specific, I only returned those calls from vendors we we already had a relationship with. That means I did not return calls to those who were soliciting our business. I am not saying I was right, but I felt I had to draw the line somewhere or I would never get home.

One vendor in particular had left three or four messages for me over a three day period. He had also sent four or five emails. I did not pay much attention to this, but it did stick out as more aggressive than the rest.

Trouble Shows Up!

As I finally got caught up, I began responding to these calls and emails. With this one particular vendor, I simply replied to his email, “Please remove me from your distribution list.” It seemed innocent enough at the time, but I apparently caught him at a bad moment.

His email back was shocking to me. It was extremely sarcastic and demeaning to me. I could not believe he had reacted in that way. My first thought was to react and to lash back out at him, explaining how his immature email had ensured I would never consider doing business with him.

How To React?

As my mind raced with various ways I could unleash my own sarcasm (a curse, not a gift!), I hesitated. Maybe it was because I could not choose from the multiple ideas rushing to mind. Hopefully, it was my conscience causing the pause.

Either way, I realized my desire to react with a similar email would only incite him further. It certainly would not convince him that I was right and he was miserably wrong. And worst of all, what if he happened to click on the link to this blog at the bottom?!?!? What kind of witness would that be?

Better To Respond

As a result of my hesitation, I took my time and carefully worded a response. I apologized for wasting his time by forcing him to make repeated, unanswered calls. I asked him to forgive my rudeness. I then told him I was simply not interested and that I hoped he could respect that.

I don’t know if anything more will ever come from this interaction, but I feel much better that I decided not to react. However, the more I think about what caused this exchange to flare up in the first place, the more I realize that I am to blame.

Higher Standard

Regardless of my busyness, I should not have allowed multiple calls to go by without response. While I was certainly busy, I could have found an additional two minutes to professionally decline interest in his product.

Folks, most people would not fault me for ignoring these calls for a period. Most people would say the same about handling telemarketing calls at home during dinner (more confession necessary here!).

The problem is that we are called as Christ followers to a higher standard than most people think is necessary. We are called to walk the second mile (Matthew 5:41), turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39), and to love our enemies (Luke 6:35). Until we embrace this calling, our witness is limited.

Have you been tempted to react in this way?

Did you choose to react or pause to respond?

What were the results?

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Are You To Be An Active Or Passive Witness?

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In many of the small groups I have been in over the years, there is one question that has come up quite often. This may not be the most popular question or even the most passionately argued, but it does come up a lot. The question is this – are you to be an active or passive witness?

witness

Passive Witness Camp

To be more clear, there are usually one or two people in the group that get a little uncomfortable when the subject of evangelism comes up for discussion. Immediately, they get images of standing on the street corner with bullhorn in hand and shouting out warnings to those passing by.

Maybe their picture is more subtle, but just as uncomfortable for them. Either way, they usually say something like, “I don’t have the gift of evangelism.” Maybe they say, “I don’t like to talk about my faith.”

Many suggest, “I think we should just live our Christian life by example. We should not have to tell people what and why we believe. They should know it by the way we live.”

Are these people in the “passive witness” camp wrong?

Active Witness Camp

Before you answer, let’s look at the other camp. When this discussion about our responsibility to witness comes up, these others jump all over it! They are quick to talk about the number of times they have shared Jesus with some complete stranger, a customer, or maybe a childhood friend.

They can tell crazy stories about how people have accepted Jesus as a result of them simply asking an innocent question that led to an intense conversation about eternity. This discussion really gets the people in the “active witness” camp fired up!

Are they wrong?

Who Is Right?

So what is the answer?

Are you to be an active or passive witness?

Fortunately for you, I have the answer! That answer is “Yes!”

Active And Passive Witness!

Yes, you are to be an active witness. Yes, you are to be a passive witness. You are to witness both actively AND passively! Neither of these options is acceptable only by itself. If we are to be fully committed disciples of Jesus, then we are to witness in every way available to us.

Sure, there are some personalities that are naturally more outgoing. These people will most likely witness to people in situations where the less outgoing may be uncomfortable. That is fine.

However, that does not remove the responsibility from the less outgoing! It only means that these people need to be more intentional about building relationships with the lost around them for the purpose of eventually talking to them about Jesus and their eternity.

The Workplace Needs Active!

When you look at the statistics of the workplace, Barna reports that roughly 40% of the U.S. adult population is unchurched. That means there are plenty of people around you in the workplace that need what you have. They need you to share your faith.

If you do not already have a solid relationship with them that would allow you to do this, then you need to get to work! Start intentionally working on your relationship with them. Get creative, but get closer. Of course, you are to do this with a sincere desire to touch their heart, not for a tally mark in your Bible.

The point here is that you are to be active as a witness for Jesus. Using a bullhorn is not the only way to do this. Whatever your personality or circumstances, find a method that plays to your strengths. Then start!

Example Still Necessary

And for you “active witness” campers, do not let your natural ability to witness to others overshadow the need for you to also live out your faith by example! Whatever your personality, you are also called to live a godly life as an example for those who are watching.

This means your business practices are to be above reproach. You are to walk what you talk! You are to live out all that Jesus has commanded us – in every facet of your life.

You are not free to live as you please simply because you are good at approaching complete strangers with the truth of the gospel. Your witness and your example should go hand in hand!

Scripture Backup

I will leave you with a few verses that can serve as back-up for what we have discussed here. There are plenty more where these came from, but this is a good start!

You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lamp stand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Acts 1:8

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
Philippians 1:27

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.
1 Peter 3:15

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Eternal Perspective: Would You Have Made This Choice?

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Quite often on this blog, you will read something I write about having an eternal perspective. I guess it is because I believe this perspective is so critical to our walk as followers of Jesus. Most of my examples of this eternal perspective come from my observations of life going on around us. Today, I want to look at a clear example in the life of Abraham.

eternal

Abraham’s Journey

If you have read much about Abraham (called Abram at this time) in Genesis, you know that God called him to leave his homeland and go to a place that God would name later. Abram left immediately, showing the strong faith for which he is known. Where he was going, he did not know. At the same time, he believed God would provide for him.

Fast forward to Genesis 13 and there is already trouble. Lot, Abram’s nephew, had gone on the journey with Abram and had a large clan of his own. It did not take long for the people with Lot and the people with Abram to begin quarreling. The area where they had stopped was not large enough for both groups. Something had to give.

Abraham’s Choice

Notice first that in Genesis 13:4, that Abram called on the name of the Lord in this place. Right from the start, Abram is not trying to make it on his own, but is seeking the Lord in all that he was doing. In the very next verse, the problem is described and Abram has to act.

What does he do? What would you have done in the same position? God has called Abram on a journey and he is the head of the family. He brought his nephew along for some reason, but there is no question that this is not a 50/50 partnership journey. Abram is clearly the authority in this scene.

However, he does the unexpected and offers Lot the first choice of land. He didn’t just consider Lot and carve out a little choice land for him. Abram actually gave Lot the opportunity to take the best land and leave him with the left-overs. Would you do that?

The Results!

What happens next is amazing! Lot scans the land and chooses the entire Jordan valley as his area. Then he separates from Abram with his people to settle in that area. As soon as Lot had separated and before Abram had a chance to move toward his new land, the Lord spoke to Abram:

“Look from the place where you are. Look north and south, east and west, for I will give you and your offspring forever all the land that you see. I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if anyone could count the dust of the earth, then your offspring could be counted. Get up and walk around the land, through its length and width, for I will give it to you.”
Genesis 13:14-17

Not only did God promise to bless him, but he also included the land Lot had chosen as part of His promise to Abram! How cool is that?!?!

Example Of Eternal Perspective?

Now, let’s stop and take a look at how these events give us an example of an eternal perspective.

First, take a look at God’s promise to Abram in Genesis 12:1-3. Here, God promises Abram that He will make him into a great nation. God lays out what the future will look like for Abram and his offspring. Abram believed God and set out to follow His directions.

When later faced with what looked like a losing situation when his people were quarreling with Lot’s people, Abram did not worry. He did not try to make sure he held onto everything that he thought was rightfully his. He did not grab for the temporal wealth.

Looked Foolish At The Time

Instead, right after praying to the Lord, Abram made a decision that looked foolish at the time. He let Lot choose from the best of the land. This left Abram with what appeared to be the least of the land. At the same time, he trusted God for whatever He wanted to do.

Abram chose the eternal. He chose to believe God for the promise He made in Genesis 12:1-3. He chose to follow God’s leading with Lot. And he chose to trust God for the results. The amazing part is that God then expanded the promise and gave him back what he had just allowed Lot to take.

Similar Eternal Choices

Folks, we face choices like this every day. You can probably think of examples, but here is the biggest one I can imagine. God has promised us, His children, an inheritance that we cannot even imagine. He has promised us an eternity with Him where the reward is greater that we can handle with our minds.

In return, He asks us to surrender our temporal lives here and now to Him. We are to live this life sacrificially, keeping our eyes focused on the eternal reward. Like Abram, we are called to share what He has given us now for the benefit of those around us. We are to trust Him for what He thinks we need.

Let Go!

The problem is that unlike Abram, we don’t want to give up what we believe is rightfully ours right now. We want to hold onto the “choice land” – whether it is our businesses, our families, or our own pleasures and desires – and not give it up to Him. How is it that we think this is the better choice?

If we will instead turn over these temporal choices to Him and follow His lead, we will see that two things will happen. If we will do this, not only will we get the reward in eternity, but we will also experience a greater life here!

Do you see the “eternal” in decisions you face everyday?

Have you made the right choices from an eternal perspective?

How do you discern the choice between the temporal and eternal?