Leadership & Wealth

Proverbs 10:22 (NLT) The blessing of the LORD makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.

The source of riches is being much discussed in 2009. Getting and keeping wealth has become an issue. Some candidates for Administration positions tried to manipulate the “keeping” part, and were exposed. Because of the market conditions, several financiers have been exposed who were manipulating the “getting’ part and damaging thousands of lives.

Humility drives our understanding that The Creator has a powerful role in the acquisition of riches. He gives us the brains, the timing, the circumstances. Of course, we have the responsibility to correctly take advantage of those gifts. Sometimes we do not. At least, I know I’ve not at times. “I” got in the way because I was leaning on my own understanding. I tried to manipulate my small world – my private expression of arrogance and not humility.

One of the lessons I learned was that leadership should be focused on who we are, not what we are accomplishing. Wealth is not the goal of a wise person, but may be a consequence – one that comes free and clear. Let the Lord determine who will receive the blessings of riches that carry no sorrow.

Business leaders who keep their focus on Him (“seek first the kingdom of God”) lead without damaging those around them (or generations to come). They have learned first to follow so they can better lead. If riches result because of their choices, they acknowledge the source – God who gave them the paths to follow and the impact on wealth that path yielded.

Do not forget, even in this bad economy, those of us living in America, by global standards are wealthy indeed. We must be thankful for the wealth we have and not covet the wealth some others may have.

Are you thankful?

Copyright ©2009 by P. Griffith Lindell