Proverbs 30:5-6 (NLV) Every word of God has been proven true (pure). He is a safe-covering to those who trust in Him. Do not add to His words, or He will speak strong words to you and prove you to be a liar.
Do we really believe this? Our culture demands "tolerance" for behaviors that God called sin: tolerance for life-styles that do not please Him; tolerance for visual stimulation in music videos and movies that only appeal to our prurient natures; tolerance to accept many ways to God when our hope is in one-way, one truth and one life. To be really Christ-like in this environment takes faith that He is our refuge, our shield, and our protector. Our core values must be clear, consistent and courageous – and yet remain contagious, irresistible, inviting.
Our lives have meaning. Is your life at work attractive and pure?
Copyright © 2006 by P. Griffith Lindell
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Friday, May 26, 2006
Want to Lead? Better Learn to Serve
Proverbs 26:17 (AMP) Do you see a man wise in his own eyes and conceit? There is more hope for a [self-confident] fool than for him.
Max Dupree (former chairman of Herman Miller, Inc.), in Leadership Jazz, observes, ”…leadership is a position of servanthood. Leadership is also a posture of debt; it is a forfeiture of rights.” Very different from “wise in his own eyes.” Conceit, consistent with Satan's fall, has captivated humans from the very beginning. Try to work-in or run a business without God -- that conceit makes you a "practical atheist," even if you profess a personal relationship. Atheists by any other name are still atheists. Acknowledging a need for God in the workplace, working in a way that acknowledges Him, is not an option. There is one wiser than we and His word is our guidebook.
Who do you serve? What are you reading?
Copyright © 2006 by P. Griffith Lindell
Max Dupree (former chairman of Herman Miller, Inc.), in Leadership Jazz, observes, ”…leadership is a position of servanthood. Leadership is also a posture of debt; it is a forfeiture of rights.” Very different from “wise in his own eyes.” Conceit, consistent with Satan's fall, has captivated humans from the very beginning. Try to work-in or run a business without God -- that conceit makes you a "practical atheist," even if you profess a personal relationship. Atheists by any other name are still atheists. Acknowledging a need for God in the workplace, working in a way that acknowledges Him, is not an option. There is one wiser than we and His word is our guidebook.
Who do you serve? What are you reading?
Copyright © 2006 by P. Griffith Lindell
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Thursday, May 25, 2006
Leadership That is Not Presumptuous
Proverbs 25: 6-7 (MSG) Don't work yourself into the spotlight; don't push your way into the place of prominence. It's better to be promoted to a place of honor than face humiliation by being demoted.
Self-exaltation often results in disaster. In an interview with Larry King, Donald Trump observed that pretenders to success often spend too much time talking to him about all they have done: successful people, on the other hand, spend the time learning -- asking questions about his success. Leaders – lifelong learners - are insatiably curious and more interested in learning than they are in preening. Their focus in not on seating arrangements, but learning from the person they are seated next to. This practical advice about where you think you should be sitting says much about your heart. Christian leaders are called to march to a heartbeat whose cadence is called out by God, not by the meaningless chatter of this world.
Are you seeking God's honor or the worlds?
Copyright © 2006 by P. Griffith Lindell
Self-exaltation often results in disaster. In an interview with Larry King, Donald Trump observed that pretenders to success often spend too much time talking to him about all they have done: successful people, on the other hand, spend the time learning -- asking questions about his success. Leaders – lifelong learners - are insatiably curious and more interested in learning than they are in preening. Their focus in not on seating arrangements, but learning from the person they are seated next to. This practical advice about where you think you should be sitting says much about your heart. Christian leaders are called to march to a heartbeat whose cadence is called out by God, not by the meaningless chatter of this world.
Are you seeking God's honor or the worlds?
Copyright © 2006 by P. Griffith Lindell
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Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Leaders Discern
Proverbs 24:7 (MSG) Wise conversation is way over the head of fools; in a serious discussion they haven't a clue.
Life is a spiritual battle: the world tries to make it material. The Sarbanes-Oxley environment over the last several years has produced much talking, little wise conversation. The world just does not "get it." As one executive put in, "The Ten Commandants haven't worked; why should we think our rules will work?" He missed the spiritual element. A discussion of ethics without a discussion of morality and truth is useless, yet it happens often. Recognizing the spiritual forces in play, a wise leader’s conversation is more about parables than pontification; it’s peppered with interesting questions rather than interrupting sarcasm; and it is simple, not simplistic. Sensitive to the spiritual void, a wise leader can approach an issue without being antagonistic to the person. You know, like Jesus did.
Can we talk? Really talk.
Copyright © 2006 by P. Griffith Lindell
Life is a spiritual battle: the world tries to make it material. The Sarbanes-Oxley environment over the last several years has produced much talking, little wise conversation. The world just does not "get it." As one executive put in, "The Ten Commandants haven't worked; why should we think our rules will work?" He missed the spiritual element. A discussion of ethics without a discussion of morality and truth is useless, yet it happens often. Recognizing the spiritual forces in play, a wise leader’s conversation is more about parables than pontification; it’s peppered with interesting questions rather than interrupting sarcasm; and it is simple, not simplistic. Sensitive to the spiritual void, a wise leader can approach an issue without being antagonistic to the person. You know, like Jesus did.
Can we talk? Really talk.
Copyright © 2006 by P. Griffith Lindell
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Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Leaders Must Learn to Resist the Seductions of Success
Proverbs 23:4-5 (NLV) Do not work hard to be rich. Stop trying to get things for yourself. When you set your eyes upon it, it is gone. For sure, riches make themselves wings like an eagle that flies toward the heavens.
Working hard and achieving success is generally good. However, according to J.L. Badaracco, Jr., a professor at Harvard Business School, in his new book Questions of Character he writes, "The basic problem with the flow of success is that life can look very good when it really isn't.” The mythological story of Icarus (who, in his exuberance with successfully flight, flew too close to the sun and melted the wax in his wings, falling to his death) illustrates that lesson. Working hard for the right things is always best. Working – no matter the job -- is really a mind-game; it is an attitude that must flow from seeking “first the kingdom of God" to one of stewardship - how we think about what we have. The daunting challenge for many leaders is, paradoxically, the very thing they aspire to achieve - a successful life and career and all that comes with them -- can be fleeting if they find they are working for the wrong reasons.
Fly like an eagle: work for God, not yourself.
Copyright © 2006 P. Griffith Lindell
Working hard and achieving success is generally good. However, according to J.L. Badaracco, Jr., a professor at Harvard Business School, in his new book Questions of Character he writes, "The basic problem with the flow of success is that life can look very good when it really isn't.” The mythological story of Icarus (who, in his exuberance with successfully flight, flew too close to the sun and melted the wax in his wings, falling to his death) illustrates that lesson. Working hard for the right things is always best. Working – no matter the job -- is really a mind-game; it is an attitude that must flow from seeking “first the kingdom of God" to one of stewardship - how we think about what we have. The daunting challenge for many leaders is, paradoxically, the very thing they aspire to achieve - a successful life and career and all that comes with them -- can be fleeting if they find they are working for the wrong reasons.
Fly like an eagle: work for God, not yourself.
Copyright © 2006 P. Griffith Lindell
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Monday, May 22, 2006
Attractive Leadership
Proverbs 22: 11 (MSG) GOD loves the pure-hearted and well-spoken; good leaders also delight in their friendship.
Leadership motivates. Pureness of heart will attract both followers and other leaders. Christian business leaders should have an advantage because we can lead from a pure heart and our speech can be seasoned with graciousness. Both are a result not of who we are naturally, but of Christ in us. Do you want to make a change in your workplace? Work on your heart and leave the rest up to God. His love for you will cover the consequences of your stand for righteousness - your expression of a pure heart.
Share your heart. God did.
Copyright © 2006 by P. Griffith Lindell
Leadership motivates. Pureness of heart will attract both followers and other leaders. Christian business leaders should have an advantage because we can lead from a pure heart and our speech can be seasoned with graciousness. Both are a result not of who we are naturally, but of Christ in us. Do you want to make a change in your workplace? Work on your heart and leave the rest up to God. His love for you will cover the consequences of your stand for righteousness - your expression of a pure heart.
Share your heart. God did.
Copyright © 2006 by P. Griffith Lindell
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Friday, May 19, 2006
Leadership Demeanor
Proverbs 19:12 (NLT) The king's anger is like a lion's roar, but his favor is like dew on the grass.
Work done by Porter, Lorsch and Nohria, reported in the October 2004 Harvard Business Review found that seven surprises await the new CEO and “Surprise Four” is "You Are Always Sending A Message." A leader's anger may not be voiced particularly loudly, but it is heard like a "lion's roar." The leader's favor may be small, but it is experienced like "fresh dew on the grass." Everything is magnified. The solution? Research suggests consistent, clear and simple messages. Often repeated. Supported by stories.
The paradox: leaders (executives, teachers, parents) must encourage a culture of accountability and nurture - we must be "fresh dew" on the lives we impact. We provide nourishment to the thirsty. Hope for the hopeless. We cannot do that if we are roaring.
Copyright © 2006 by P. Griffith Lindell
Work done by Porter, Lorsch and Nohria, reported in the October 2004 Harvard Business Review found that seven surprises await the new CEO and “Surprise Four” is "You Are Always Sending A Message." A leader's anger may not be voiced particularly loudly, but it is heard like a "lion's roar." The leader's favor may be small, but it is experienced like "fresh dew on the grass." Everything is magnified. The solution? Research suggests consistent, clear and simple messages. Often repeated. Supported by stories.
The paradox: leaders (executives, teachers, parents) must encourage a culture of accountability and nurture - we must be "fresh dew" on the lives we impact. We provide nourishment to the thirsty. Hope for the hopeless. We cannot do that if we are roaring.
Copyright © 2006 by P. Griffith Lindell
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Thursday, May 18, 2006
Leaders are Open-minded
Proverbs 18:17 (NASB) The first to plead his case seems right, until another comes and examines him.
Leaders listen. Well, authentic leaders listen. Effective leaders have learned that art. In a January 2001 article in Harvard Business Review, Jim Collins introduced the world to the “Level 5 Leadership” wherein HBR observed that is was “The Triumph of Humility and Fierce Resolve” Those who practice humility listen actively. And active listening is a skill that is not easily developed. The goal must always be mutual understanding. The key to effective listening is here in this verse: asking good questions. Good questions are not simply a matter of casual probing. These questions take forethought. Skill to develop a conversation that achieves understanding of the issues involved. Are you listening? Asking good questions? Or just talking?
Copyright © 2006 by P. Griffith Lindell
Leaders listen. Well, authentic leaders listen. Effective leaders have learned that art. In a January 2001 article in Harvard Business Review, Jim Collins introduced the world to the “Level 5 Leadership” wherein HBR observed that is was “The Triumph of Humility and Fierce Resolve” Those who practice humility listen actively. And active listening is a skill that is not easily developed. The goal must always be mutual understanding. The key to effective listening is here in this verse: asking good questions. Good questions are not simply a matter of casual probing. These questions take forethought. Skill to develop a conversation that achieves understanding of the issues involved. Are you listening? Asking good questions? Or just talking?
Copyright © 2006 by P. Griffith Lindell
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Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Leaders Understand True Courage
Proverbs 17:12 (NIV) Better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool in his folly.
Winston Churchill offered a thought about courage: "Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen." Profound. We have become a timid lot, we followers of the Way. We are willing to listen when we should stand up to speak; and we stand up to speak only when the audience is "safe." It take more courage to stand up to a passionate person, wise in their own eyes, having no need for God and seducing the world to idolatry (a fool in his folly) than the deadly, angry mother bear. Committed Christian leaders have learned not only when to “stand up” – to discern the seduction of words and thoughts that have their genesis in Hell – but also what to say. Who are you afraid of most: the bear or the fool?
Copyright © 2006 P. Griffith Lindell
Winston Churchill offered a thought about courage: "Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen." Profound. We have become a timid lot, we followers of the Way. We are willing to listen when we should stand up to speak; and we stand up to speak only when the audience is "safe." It take more courage to stand up to a passionate person, wise in their own eyes, having no need for God and seducing the world to idolatry (a fool in his folly) than the deadly, angry mother bear. Committed Christian leaders have learned not only when to “stand up” – to discern the seduction of words and thoughts that have their genesis in Hell – but also what to say. Who are you afraid of most: the bear or the fool?
Copyright © 2006 P. Griffith Lindell
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Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Leaders Learn to Pray and Plan....and Pray
Proverbs 16:9 (NLT) We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.
Jeremiah 10:23 (NIV) I know, O LORD, that a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps.
It was D.D. Eisenhower who said: "In preparing for battle I have always found that plans are useless, but planning is indispensable." Mintzberg & Quinn in their text The Strategy Process observed: "Strategy deals with the unknowable, not the uncertain." Business leaders work hard at looking at patterns, factors, trends, research, known and unknown needs - elements, among others that go into planning; but they do not know the future. God does. The Christian business leader should use good planning and management techniques to control the business: but s/he does this with the absolute certainty that the LORD determines the outcome. This fact in no way excuses people from planning, thinking, strategizing. May I suggest the 8 Ps of Planning: Plan. Pray. Practice. Perform. Pray. Ponder (what is God saying and what am I to learn?) Pray. Perform.
Planning is good. Praying is essential.
Copyright© 2006 P. Griffith Lindell
Jeremiah 10:23 (NIV) I know, O LORD, that a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps.
It was D.D. Eisenhower who said: "In preparing for battle I have always found that plans are useless, but planning is indispensable." Mintzberg & Quinn in their text The Strategy Process observed: "Strategy deals with the unknowable, not the uncertain." Business leaders work hard at looking at patterns, factors, trends, research, known and unknown needs - elements, among others that go into planning; but they do not know the future. God does. The Christian business leader should use good planning and management techniques to control the business: but s/he does this with the absolute certainty that the LORD determines the outcome. This fact in no way excuses people from planning, thinking, strategizing. May I suggest the 8 Ps of Planning: Plan. Pray. Practice. Perform. Pray. Ponder (what is God saying and what am I to learn?) Pray. Perform.
Planning is good. Praying is essential.
Copyright© 2006 P. Griffith Lindell
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Monday, May 15, 2006
Leaders Practice Collaboration
Proverbs 15:22 (NLV) Plans go wrong without talking together, but they will go well when many wise men talk about what to do.
Fresh perspectives are vital to innovation. Research has shown that collaboration that results from participative management in a flat organization drives better business decisions. According to Sirota, Mischkind and Meltzer in The Enthusiastic Employee, camaraderie that grows in a collaborative environment is one of the fundamental desires of employees. In Built To Last, Collins and Porras found that higher performing companies promoted from within – a process facilitated in a collaborative environment which does not happen in a vacuum: it is the result of people actually talking together - not a person telling someone something.
Are you leading by collaborating or by telling? Your key employee turnover may be a key to the answer.
Copyright © 2006 by P. Griffith Lindell
Fresh perspectives are vital to innovation. Research has shown that collaboration that results from participative management in a flat organization drives better business decisions. According to Sirota, Mischkind and Meltzer in The Enthusiastic Employee, camaraderie that grows in a collaborative environment is one of the fundamental desires of employees. In Built To Last, Collins and Porras found that higher performing companies promoted from within – a process facilitated in a collaborative environment which does not happen in a vacuum: it is the result of people actually talking together - not a person telling someone something.
Are you leading by collaborating or by telling? Your key employee turnover may be a key to the answer.
Copyright © 2006 by P. Griffith Lindell
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Friday, May 12, 2006
Leaders Learn to Love Discipline
Proverbs 12: 1 (AMP) Whoever loves instruction and correction loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is like a brute beast, stupid and indiscriminating.
To put this verse more simply – “to learn, you must have discipline (NLT).” To grow personally or to lead, it’s discipline that drives your work and your life in the direction needed.
But note also the AMP translation: we are not to tolerate discipline. Not deal with it. Not accept it. Love it. I’m reminded of what M. Scott Peck said in his book The Road Less Traveled, “without discipline we can solve nothing.” Some organizations just love strategy formulation - big plans and wonderful Power Point® presentations: but it is the discipline that comes from strategy implementation where the rubber meets the road. Leaders learn that every action taken is a learning experience: they see it as producing a result- not as success or failure, per se. That’s the attitude of loving discipline. Learn from the results you produce. If you don’t like, change what you are doing – don’t be a “brute beast, stupid and indiscriminating.”
Learn. Change. Grow.
Copyright © 2006 P. Griffith Lindell
To put this verse more simply – “to learn, you must have discipline (NLT).” To grow personally or to lead, it’s discipline that drives your work and your life in the direction needed.
But note also the AMP translation: we are not to tolerate discipline. Not deal with it. Not accept it. Love it. I’m reminded of what M. Scott Peck said in his book The Road Less Traveled, “without discipline we can solve nothing.” Some organizations just love strategy formulation - big plans and wonderful Power Point® presentations: but it is the discipline that comes from strategy implementation where the rubber meets the road. Leaders learn that every action taken is a learning experience: they see it as producing a result- not as success or failure, per se. That’s the attitude of loving discipline. Learn from the results you produce. If you don’t like, change what you are doing – don’t be a “brute beast, stupid and indiscriminating.”
Learn. Change. Grow.
Copyright © 2006 P. Griffith Lindell
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Thursday, May 11, 2006
Leaders Learn to Stop Gossip Quickly
Proverbs 11:13 (NLT) A gossip goes around revealing secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence. (AMP) He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy and faithful in spirit keeps the matter hidden.
Workplace gossip has become almost like air: it's everywhere. So pervasive that management literature not only recognizes gossip as a force in the workplace, but also has studied how it starts, how to use it, how to make it work for you (!) and how to stop it. Writers in the field of organizational development, human resources and management seem to recognize that gossip "is a universal human behavior that we all engage in, and which serves a functional purpose for employees and organizations.”(Summerhurst & Talbott)
How do you stop it? Research has discovered that if the gossip is immediately challenged or redirected, the gossip will stop; however, if a second person joins, it grows. Business etiquette and Scripture agree - stop it before it starts. Do you really trust God with your life? Are you “faithful in spirit?” How you use your tongue will ultimately tell the tale.
Copyright © 2006 P. Griffith Lindell
Workplace gossip has become almost like air: it's everywhere. So pervasive that management literature not only recognizes gossip as a force in the workplace, but also has studied how it starts, how to use it, how to make it work for you (!) and how to stop it. Writers in the field of organizational development, human resources and management seem to recognize that gossip "is a universal human behavior that we all engage in, and which serves a functional purpose for employees and organizations.”(Summerhurst & Talbott)
How do you stop it? Research has discovered that if the gossip is immediately challenged or redirected, the gossip will stop; however, if a second person joins, it grows. Business etiquette and Scripture agree - stop it before it starts. Do you really trust God with your life? Are you “faithful in spirit?” How you use your tongue will ultimately tell the tale.
Copyright © 2006 P. Griffith Lindell
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Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Wealth: Goal or Consequence?
Proverbs 10:22 (NLT) The blessing of the LORD makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.
Christian business leadership should be focused on who we are, not what we are. Leadership that keeps the focus on Him (“seek first the kingdom of God”) results in leadership without sorrow. Wealth is not the goal of being a wise person, but may be a consequence. And it is this kind of wealth that one should aspire to. Let the Lord determine who will receive the blessings of riches that have no sorrow.
Let us determine to be faithful followers, leaving the results to Him.
Copyright© 2006 P. Griffith Lindell
Christian business leadership should be focused on who we are, not what we are. Leadership that keeps the focus on Him (“seek first the kingdom of God”) results in leadership without sorrow. Wealth is not the goal of being a wise person, but may be a consequence. And it is this kind of wealth that one should aspire to. Let the Lord determine who will receive the blessings of riches that have no sorrow.
Let us determine to be faithful followers, leaving the results to Him.
Copyright© 2006 P. Griffith Lindell
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Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Interdependence
Proverbs 9:6 (NIV) Leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of understanding.
Other translations lend more insight:
"Simple ways" is pregnant with meaning. This passage in Proverbs is at the end of a description of Wisdom's feast: "Lady Wisdom has built and furnished her home; it's supported by seven hewn timbers. The banquet meal is ready to be served: lamb roasted, wine poured out, table set with silver and flowers. Having dismissed her serving maids, Lady Wisdom goes to town, stands in a prominent place, and invites everyone within sound of her voice: "Are you confused about life, don't know what's going on? Come with me, oh come, have dinner with me! I've prepared a wonderful spread--fresh-baked bread, roast lamb, carefully selected wines." (MSG)
As I was reading, the metaphor used struck me: God has done it all - even the getting of Wisdom. Of course, I knew that, but today the picture took on new color, new meaning. I don't have to slaughter the meat, cook it. I don't even have to set the table. I just have to come to dinner and feast.
"Sounds too simple. There's got to be stuff I need to do to get the wisdom I need to be a better leader."
We do it for salvation. "But for running my business? The Bible is not a business book," some might ask. Business school certainly gives you the tools needed to analyze, evaluate, and build organizational process: but it does not give Wisdom or Understanding. Without the latter, our ways are simple or foolish - tell that to a Harvard MBA!
Whether it's Business School or the school of life, any learning that leaves out God, is foolish. And what do we discover if we "walk in the way of understanding?" We can find among other things combining the learning from B-Schools and the God's Wisdom is a powerful combination. I know that many of the business decisions are not right from wrong; rather, it is which ethically right path should be followed - and that takes Wisdom. For we cannot see down the path: following God's lead is a walk of Faith and not sight. And I think we make "walking by faith" harder than it needs to be: we try to prepare the meal, or at least set the table.
Walking by faith is a walk of wisdom, a way of understanding that begins with "knowing God" which results from feasting at the table of His Word, praying, and having a transparent relationship with Godly people.
Copyright (c) 2006 by P. Griffith Lindell
Other translations lend more insight:
- "Leave your impoverished confusion;"
- "Forsake the foolish and simpleminded;"
- "Leave your foolish ways behind;" and,
- "Forsake the foolish" are from various other translations.
"Simple ways" is pregnant with meaning. This passage in Proverbs is at the end of a description of Wisdom's feast: "Lady Wisdom has built and furnished her home; it's supported by seven hewn timbers. The banquet meal is ready to be served: lamb roasted, wine poured out, table set with silver and flowers. Having dismissed her serving maids, Lady Wisdom goes to town, stands in a prominent place, and invites everyone within sound of her voice: "Are you confused about life, don't know what's going on? Come with me, oh come, have dinner with me! I've prepared a wonderful spread--fresh-baked bread, roast lamb, carefully selected wines." (MSG)
As I was reading, the metaphor used struck me: God has done it all - even the getting of Wisdom. Of course, I knew that, but today the picture took on new color, new meaning. I don't have to slaughter the meat, cook it. I don't even have to set the table. I just have to come to dinner and feast.
"Sounds too simple. There's got to be stuff I need to do to get the wisdom I need to be a better leader."
We do it for salvation. "But for running my business? The Bible is not a business book," some might ask. Business school certainly gives you the tools needed to analyze, evaluate, and build organizational process: but it does not give Wisdom or Understanding. Without the latter, our ways are simple or foolish - tell that to a Harvard MBA!
Whether it's Business School or the school of life, any learning that leaves out God, is foolish. And what do we discover if we "walk in the way of understanding?" We can find among other things combining the learning from B-Schools and the God's Wisdom is a powerful combination. I know that many of the business decisions are not right from wrong; rather, it is which ethically right path should be followed - and that takes Wisdom. For we cannot see down the path: following God's lead is a walk of Faith and not sight. And I think we make "walking by faith" harder than it needs to be: we try to prepare the meal, or at least set the table.
Walking by faith is a walk of wisdom, a way of understanding that begins with "knowing God" which results from feasting at the table of His Word, praying, and having a transparent relationship with Godly people.
Copyright (c) 2006 by P. Griffith Lindell
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Monday, May 08, 2006
Leaders Find Wisdom
Proverbs 8:9-10 (MSG) [Wisdom speaking] Prefer my life--disciplines over chasing after money, and God-knowledge over a lucrative career. For Wisdom is better than all the trappings of wealth; nothing you could wish for holds a candle to her.
Wisdom is portrayed in this chapter as a women calling out to passers by. In my mind, I picture this woman to be unadorned, plain. Attractive if one were to stop and notice. But not loud. Not seductive. Strong, confident. Not flirty. I arrived at this from the word pictures used to contrast Wisdom and foolishness. The latter is seductive, alluring, sensual - the kind of women that are presented to our culture today. Shaped the right way. Dressed the right way. Smelling right. Wisdom, on the other hand, is not shaped by Hollywood, dressed by designers or concerned by about seductive smells. She "calls out" with words to live by, not words to seduce the listener. She offers advice, not empty flattery with flashing, saucy eyes. Her looks are direct and bore into the soul. No wonder she is ignored. She sees us as we are.
Do you have an accountability group that will help open up your mind to Wisdom? Minds have shut, not because of any real intention to ignore God, but shut down often just because of laziness. Dull thinking. Shut because of focus on the value of "silver and gold" and not the value of living God's way.
Our culture bombards us with images, messages and memories of the "rich and famous." We have become seduced by, cars, computers and clothes. Football, racing, all Sunday morning sports, have replaced faith, reverence and soul-searching. The act of Worship has been replaced with rallying behind our favorite team. And even when we find a church, its more about what is it doing for me than how can I meet God here and give back something to others.
Our culture demands of our churches things that the New Testament church never imagined. That church spent time praying and learning God's word. How very boring for today's culture. Church growth experts would shudder if Sunday were spent in prayer for one another - real prayer - study of the Word (in depth - not simply listening to a 22 minute message) and caring for one another's needs.
Those are the disciplines of Wisdom. And a small group can help facilitate that kind of care and concern. There are many business models for this kind of effort – just “Google™” marketplace ministries (my response gave me 4,880,000 for marketplace ministry groups in .20 seconds)! Wisdom can be found in the marketplace. Are you searching?
Copyright © 2006 P. Griffith Lindell
Wisdom is portrayed in this chapter as a women calling out to passers by. In my mind, I picture this woman to be unadorned, plain. Attractive if one were to stop and notice. But not loud. Not seductive. Strong, confident. Not flirty. I arrived at this from the word pictures used to contrast Wisdom and foolishness. The latter is seductive, alluring, sensual - the kind of women that are presented to our culture today. Shaped the right way. Dressed the right way. Smelling right. Wisdom, on the other hand, is not shaped by Hollywood, dressed by designers or concerned by about seductive smells. She "calls out" with words to live by, not words to seduce the listener. She offers advice, not empty flattery with flashing, saucy eyes. Her looks are direct and bore into the soul. No wonder she is ignored. She sees us as we are.
Do you have an accountability group that will help open up your mind to Wisdom? Minds have shut, not because of any real intention to ignore God, but shut down often just because of laziness. Dull thinking. Shut because of focus on the value of "silver and gold" and not the value of living God's way.
Our culture bombards us with images, messages and memories of the "rich and famous." We have become seduced by, cars, computers and clothes. Football, racing, all Sunday morning sports, have replaced faith, reverence and soul-searching. The act of Worship has been replaced with rallying behind our favorite team. And even when we find a church, its more about what is it doing for me than how can I meet God here and give back something to others.
Our culture demands of our churches things that the New Testament church never imagined. That church spent time praying and learning God's word. How very boring for today's culture. Church growth experts would shudder if Sunday were spent in prayer for one another - real prayer - study of the Word (in depth - not simply listening to a 22 minute message) and caring for one another's needs.
Those are the disciplines of Wisdom. And a small group can help facilitate that kind of care and concern. There are many business models for this kind of effort – just “Google™” marketplace ministries (my response gave me 4,880,000 for marketplace ministry groups in .20 seconds)! Wisdom can be found in the marketplace. Are you searching?
Copyright © 2006 P. Griffith Lindell
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Friday, May 05, 2006
Leading with Integrity is Good Business
Proverbs 5:21 (MSG) Mark well that GOD doesn't miss a move you make; he's aware of every step you take.
I’m from a simpler school best illustrated by the old story of the preacher who preached on Sunday on honesty and integrity. On Monday, he had to take a bus downtown, got on, gave his money, received his change. Upon sitting down and counting his change, he discovered that he has been over-paid in change. At first, he was thankful that God had supplied some extra money that he did really need; but upon leaving the bus, he stopped at driver’s seat, took out the “extra” change, handed it back commenting that the driver had given him too much change. The driver smiled and told the preacher that that had been no mistake: he had attended that preacher’s church on Sunday and wanted to see if on Monday he put his life where his mouth was.
In my email that linked to his article, I referenced the work of David Leonhardt in his article in the May 3, 2006 NY Times titled, Rule No. 35: Reread Rule on Integrity where he quotes William Swanson who was “found-out” that he had plagiarized several of his business maxims from a work published in 1944. According to Leonhardt, Swanson “…has failed his own integrity test. 'Integrity,' to me," he [Swanson] writes, "is having the fortitude to do what is right when no one is watching."”
Well, he captured it! Being “perfect” or mature is about completeness. Walking your talk – day and night – as if everyone you know is watching what you do. God is watching.
Copyright (c) 2006 by P. Griffith Lindell
- Job 31:4 (NIV) Does he not see my ways and count my every step?
- Job 34:21 (NIV) "His eyes are on the ways of men; he sees their every step….”
- Psalm 119:168 (NIV) I obey your precepts and your statutes, for all my ways are known to you.
- Jeremiah 32:19 (NIV) … great are your purposes and mighty are your deeds. Your eyes are open to all the ways of men….
- Proverbs 4:26 (MSG) Watch your step, and the road will stretch out smooth before you.
- Matthew 5:48 (NIV) Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
- Romans 12:2 (NIV) Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
I’m from a simpler school best illustrated by the old story of the preacher who preached on Sunday on honesty and integrity. On Monday, he had to take a bus downtown, got on, gave his money, received his change. Upon sitting down and counting his change, he discovered that he has been over-paid in change. At first, he was thankful that God had supplied some extra money that he did really need; but upon leaving the bus, he stopped at driver’s seat, took out the “extra” change, handed it back commenting that the driver had given him too much change. The driver smiled and told the preacher that that had been no mistake: he had attended that preacher’s church on Sunday and wanted to see if on Monday he put his life where his mouth was.
In my email that linked to his article, I referenced the work of David Leonhardt in his article in the May 3, 2006 NY Times titled, Rule No. 35: Reread Rule on Integrity where he quotes William Swanson who was “found-out” that he had plagiarized several of his business maxims from a work published in 1944. According to Leonhardt, Swanson “…has failed his own integrity test. 'Integrity,' to me," he [Swanson] writes, "is having the fortitude to do what is right when no one is watching."”
Well, he captured it! Being “perfect” or mature is about completeness. Walking your talk – day and night – as if everyone you know is watching what you do. God is watching.
Copyright (c) 2006 by P. Griffith Lindell
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Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Lights of the Word
Proverbs 4: 18-19 (NIV) The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.
- (AMP) [Verse 18 only] But the path of the [uncompromisingly] just and righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines more and more (brighter and clearer) until [it reaches its full strength and glory in] the perfect day [to be prepared].
- John 8:12 (NIV) When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
- Matthew 5:14 (NIV) "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.
- Ephesians 1:4 (NIV) For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.
- Hebrews 12:14 (NIV) Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord
- 1 Peter 1:15-16 (NIV) But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."
Uncompromising values. That's the path we want all our leaders to walk - whether a business team leader, CEO, politician, parent, friend or spouse. Yes, we want that for "them" but it is each of us, not just them. All believers are called to be "lights." Impossible on our own: we must appropriate the power to walk righteous path.
I am struck by the analogy given to help paint the picture for us. From the beauty of dawn's early light to the searing light of the midday sun, the message is simply that when walking this path, changes are to take place in those that walk it. In fact, we have a religious term for this walk - sanctification. The doctrine states that our growth along this path is continual and will be completed when we pass from this life into the next.
Our spiritual transformation differs in kind and quality from any man-made light source. In this journey, we are to become ever brighter - not like a battery that overtime looses its power; our light is to get stronger and stronger, brighter and brighter. Obviously not a man-made journey - ours is powered by a source outside of us and is greater than we. Light is attractive: people love to look at city lights seen from a high place. We will drive or walk to see a sunset. Some of us want to be awake early not to miss a sunrise. Just as Jesus was light, so we are called to be lights - our lives (our everyday living) so bright and beautiful that the world is attracted to our light.
Which brings up the concept of holiness. We have been called to be Holy - set apart. This holiness is not just a "scared" thing: it knows no boundaries of sacred and secular. Personal holiness is the most profound mixture of God's sovereignty and human responsibility. As we mature in our choices, we grow brighter and that brightness touches the lives of those around us - a quintessential synergistic relationship. We are to light up the world!
This is a God thing. He empowers us to walk. We obey. He lights up our life.
Copyright © 2006 by P. Griffith Lindell
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