Leaders and Self-control

A Proverb
"A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls."

A common characteristic of failed leadership is a lack of self-control - a lack manifested in many ways: but most important among them is the blame game.

Taking full responsibility for our actions, learning from mistakes and using what you have been given to its full advantage are “walls” that will protect the leader.

Learn self-control by:

Curbing curiosity – everything is permitted, but not beneficial – explore carefully also evaluating impact

Checking pride and vanity – it’s not about you – it is always about them (customers, staff, suppliers, stakeholder of any kind!)

Containing anger and revenge – these drain you; and equally important, expressing them will not draw others to you

Confining personal ambition – When yours is palatable, it pushes people away – they will not follow.

Emptying yourself of destructive curiosity, vanity, revenge and self-centered ambition creates a void that is crying out to be filled: fill it with the God who created you. He will build strong walls to protect you. It is his indwelling that will grant you peace and safety as you learn to control self by giving control to their Creator.

Which of those four “Cs” do you need to work on?



Copyright © 2009-11 by P. Griffith Lindell

Leadership in Times of Change

This last day of February, in the shortest month of the year, and already the year feels long.

• Wars and rumor of wars
• Earthquakes, sinkholes, rumbling in volcanic mountains
• Disease - pestilence
• Weather
• Angry people losing power that should not have originally been granted to them
• Warring factions in DC
• Job loss
• 2012 Mayan prophecy
• States considering legislation to allow bankruptcy.

All of these are just a simple result of natural process, politics and people being people. Right? God is not involved. This news is just the stuff of life – natural.

And so, we escape. Today, after the night of the Oscars - when decked out to the nines, America celebrates fantasy with less than refined language, multiple sexual orientations and glorification of the body (pretty/handsome people). Today, life goes on. The news this morning is filled with death, murder, fires, wars (real and word) and a pretty depressed view of life.

What’s a leader to do? The leader in the King’s speech (movie) overcame stuttering and spoke in a manner and with the kind of message that helped lead his people.

Our leader, the King of Kings, never has stuttered and always has spoken clearly. He told us that the “groaning” of the world we hear today (like a woman giving birth) was to be expected in the time before he comes again. If Jesus Christ is not risen from the dead, Christianity is nice, but certainly not necessary; therefore, leaders, clearly in touch with their eternal purpose, can lead even in the fog of life. Their ethic is based on a eternal standard. Their worldview has a clear picture of the end and a coherent picture of the past and present.

Christian leaders in business and life can remain hopeful with bad news. The news that counts is eternal. And known.

Are you leading like you know (trust & believe) the end?


Copyright (c) 2011 P. Griffith Lindell

The Super Bowl XLV Commercial You DID NOT SEE!

See it here.

The question has to be asked: "Why?"

"Too religious!" was the answer.

Hmm. Secular humanism - that glorifies sex, the gay/lesbian life style, seduction, licentiousness, prurient interest - this religion of "anything goes" is supported.


Time to lead, don't you think?

Leadership With a Purpose

Some proverbs of note: “Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.” (1) “Don't brag about your wisdom or strength or wealth” (2) and in another place, “If the tongue has no fear, words are hard to make good.” (3)

Thoughts that certainly fly in the face of what the culture craves today.

I can’t help but also reflect on Clayton M. Christensen’s HBR article “How Will You Measure Your Life?” (4) His final thought, “Don’t worry about the level of individual prominence you have achieved; worry about the individuals you have helped become better people.” is a thought of wisdom.

The heart of the wise resonates with two steady heart-beats: Knowing self – understanding one’s purpose; and controlling self – exercising the discipline to hold to your principles. Christensen points out that it is “easier to hold to your principles 100% of the time than it is to hold to them 98% of the time.” (4)

A good grip on life’s purpose (and the principles that make it real) prevents you from trusting your “smarts,” your physical strength or your riches. That grip is strengthened when you live a life of “ing” not “ed.” You are committed to learning. If you have learned, you have stopped learning. I am learning that this purpose-driven living is also about earning the right to be given more and more responsibility, often by contributing to the growth of those around you.

A focus on personal purpose will determine how you allocate your time, talent and treasures: will it be for yourself; or for others? This focus helps the tongue gain “fear,” which is expressed in words that heal, instead of hurt. That help, instead of harm. That hearten, instead of humiliate.

Leadership, continually practiced well, is a noble undertaking. It can inspire: cities are built in deserts; human footprints are put the moon; water, in underdeveloped countries, is made safe to drink. A reading of history tells us that the focus of the individuals responsible was never on “I” but on “we.”

If your purpose is all about you – if you climbed the “ladder-of-you” in life - you may find that not only is the ladder too short, it is also leaning against the wrong wall. Double jeopardy.

On what is your ladder of purpose leaning? Wall of self? Or others?


Copyright ©2011 by P. Griffith Lindell


1. Proverbs 28:26
2. Jeremiah 9:23
3. Confucius, Analects, c. 400 b.c
4. Harvard Business Review – Reprint R1007B

Leaders Persevere

A Proverb: “If you falter in a time of trouble, how small is your strength!”1

This proverb begs the question: where do you find that kind of strength?

The more I read, the more I live, the more I am certain that the strength to persevere comes from a clear understanding of personal purpose. It provides the framework for handling what life throws our way. This kind of purpose is pure – it comes from inside. It cannot be manufactured in the caldron that mixes self-help books with motivational tapes and powerful speakers at the “rise up and take charge of your life” events - not that these are “bad” per se. In fact, they can help keep you focused.

Purpose begins when one takes the time to know who they are. Why they are here. And how they want to show up in life’s interactions.

Consider the story of writer from what is modern-day Turkey. He was smart. Well educated. Often spoke at public events in a time and place where what you said could get you imprisoned and/or publically flogged. History tells us it happened to him.

Enraged by his words, the crowds demanded public punishment and, as it was about to be delivered, he asked the local government enforcer if, in fact, they had authority over him - knowing he had a special class of citizenship that was recognized as distinctive in the place where he was speaking.

The result eliminated the flogging, but also grew into years of imprisonment, going from one jurisdiction to another. Near-death experiences on several journeys. Ultimately led to his death.

Yet, while he lived, he persevered. He continued speaking and writing. The underlying theme was: Reader, you have a choice – choose joy, discipline and obedience. Above all, live out your personal purpose with focus.

His life, lived with a passionate pursuit of purpose, is revealed in the historical record documenting his perseverance. His writings document his journey of finding and living out his purpose.

Are you living out your purpose?



1 Proverbs 24:10 (NIV)

Copyright ©2011 by P. Griffith Lindell

January 17, 2011 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Understanding your purpose has consequences. Taking a stand can be dangerous.

Today, we honor a man who was driven by this purpose to “love your neighbor as yourself.” And there were those who did not like his view of who was his “neighbor.” The story of the Good Samaritan continues to be lost on some whose view of others is screened with elitist lenses. Personal purpose that has practical value is focused on others, not self.

In his book, Strength in Love, King said, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. The true neighbor [emphasis added] will risk his position, his prestige and even his life for the welfare of others.”

Purpose shapes us. As Harvard professor Christensen points out in his recent article in the Harvard Business Review (and edited and reprinted in the February 2011 Reader’s Digest) the struggle to find purpose should dominate our lives until it is settled in our souls.

Why? All the stuff we do, if not focused on fulfilling purpose, is just “stuff we do” and sometimes that stuff becomes expedient (to the point of living in the gray areas of ethics and laws), hurtful to others, or just plainly wrong.

You want to live of life of meaning? Understand your purpose.


Copyright ©2011 by P. Griffith Lindell

Leadership and Silver

Proverbs 10:20-21a The tongues of those who are righteous [upright and in right standing] with God are as choice silver; the minds of those who are wicked and out of harmony with God are of little value. The lips of the righteous nourish many.

Peggy Noonan, in a Wall Street Journal Opinion piece, The Captain and the King, (referring to Navy Captain Capt. Owen Honors and the duke of York, who in the 1930’s found England’s Throne thrust upon him), contrasted their leadership. What struck me was her thought that:

“…it's a great mistake when you are in a leadership position to want to be like everyone else. Because that, actually, is not your job. Your job is to be better, to set standards that those below you have to reach to meet. And you have to do this even when it's hard, even when you know you yourself don't quite meet the standards you represent.”

“God-fearing” used to be a standard to which leaders would aspire. What characterized these people was that their tongues and their hearts [minds] were in sync. Our generation has produced too many in leadership who are out-of-sync: why? Perhaps we have failed to practice “ruthless honesty” [A.W.Tozar] with our own spirits. We have lived autonomously and not with accountability. We build the body. Train the mind. Treat the spirit as some soft, fluffy thing not a part of us that must be congruent with what we think, what we do in private and how we behave around those watching.

The “humility and resoluteness of will” that Jim Collins writes about [Good to Great] is a product of refinement. The dross of a natural inclination to be different in private than in public - is burned off in the fires of accountability, honesty and humility. Personal commitment to refinement provides nourishment to those following. This leader shines! The silver glows when it has come through the fire of discipline, discipleship and the polish of a consistent dedication to be not only attractive but also cleaned and ready to be used.

The glitter of this generation is captured in “bling.” How very sad. The glitter of a Godly people is found in the analogy of silver-service – attractive to the eyes, but serving the purpose as a tool of nourishment.

Are you silver-service or bling?

Copyright ©2011 by P. Griffith Lindell

ARE YOU A WORKAHOLIC LEADER?

Leaders are often characterized as people who love their work.

For some, this love affair has caused them to make their work an idol. They worship work. It becomes all consuming - more important than anything else.

Sometimes, it even comes in the guise of doing “God’s work” along with subsistence work – you are either at church, in small groups, singing, teaching, administrating, managing the church's social network, and then also doing your own “work.” With that kind of schedule it is easy for relationships, reflection, reading and rest to suffer - to say nothing about your reverence for your Creator.

I've bowed to that idol - after all, it promised me success, fulfillment, happiness, wealth, power, and prestige. All lies. When "activity" became a God, it became a sin.

God gave humans “work” as a gift, and like all His gifts, the blessings of each gift are best realized when they are “given back” to Him. In our natural humanity, we want to accumulate them for ourselves. As the Apostle Paul reminds us when working do it “… with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for people.” Colossians 3:23

Yes, give it all you got - but not for you, for Him. And that's why God gave us the Sabbath. To rest from our work. He knew that work could consume us. He is to consume us. And I understand, that's not easily accomplished. What is visible is much easier to grasp than The One who is unseen.

The link following is to a story worth taking some time to read – it is the confession of a workaholic who once was practicing law in Oklahoma and suffered the consequences of working too long and too hard for the wrong reasons.

Read it then ask yourself:

Am I working for myself or for the glory of God?


Copyright (c) 2010 by P. Griffith Lindell

Leadership Standing

Proverbs 15:25 (MSG) God smashes the pretensions of the arrogant; he stands with those who have no standing.

Because of my recent involvement with The Truth Project, I have had many interesting conversations with people about “the Christian worldview” and its impact on how one views leading. We have talked about many kind of leaders – some good, some bad (gangs have leaders!) some packaged (all wrapped up in themselves that they have to be “handled). Some authentic. All are on the point. Exposed. Leading.

Leaders are out in front – in more ways than one. Being in that position often brings “standing” and “standing” has a way of deluding us. We (at least, I know I do) like the adulation that comes from being in front – it’s fun. Provides energy. Generates ideas. Inspires. Deludes. Delusions (of any kind) have their source in “the lie” and therein is the fuel for a cosmic battle. Do we as leaders depend on our own power, strength, intellect, charm and ability to motivate or do we depend on the Creator who wired us with a set of skills and abilities that attract followers.

I am becoming convinced that leadership that matters (eternally – and isn’t that the only that really matters?) finds it roots in humility – the recognition that others are more important than we. That any standing we have comes because God has given us a platform that is to be used for His glory, not ours.

What are you standing upon?


Copyright ©2010 by P. Griffith Lindell

Foundations of Leadership

Proverbs 5:1-2 (NIV) My son, pay attention to my wisdom, listen well to my words of insight, that you may maintain discretion and your lips may preserve knowledge.

A battle rages in our culture. Truth (with a capital “T”) and “the lie” are at war.

When working with people about leadership foundations, it is interesting to see how the culture is “taking ground” in this battle, even in the “Christian” community. We have not done well in understanding the ramifications of this war. We have ceded territory needlessly. It’s time to stop.

As I have written before, to whom you look for wisdom determines – well, everything. Are we, like Solomon? Solomon never assumed that truth was relative and that morality was a function of personal choice.

When wrestling with your personal purpose and your ethical framework (as R.C. Sproul points out, “Ethics is about ought to be and morality is about ‘what is’ ”) our worldview is critical. Does Truth have an absolute foundation? Or has our ethical system morphed to reflect polling – a 51% determination of the will of the people within a given group, culture or system. Might makes right. Right? Wrong.

The Apostle Paul said about Christ; "for in him are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" and that is Truth with the capital “T.” Not might. Right.

The predicate of this principle is not only that your view of others will not be self-serving (maintain discretion), but also what you say builds the continuity of useful knowledge based on the absolutes of Truth. Leadership that honors others and builds a legacy – it begins at this source.

Do you “pay more attention” to God or man?”



Copyright ©2010 by P. Griffith Lindell

Leading. Learning. Loving.

Pr 23: 12 (NIV) Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.

Interesting discussions lately, on LinkedIn®, about leadership vs. management and whether leadership can be taught within a 10-day framework. Some confused management with leadership.

I have found the Kotter’s view that management is more about managing complexity and leadership is about managing change to be most helpful in distinguishing the difference. Change is a very individual journey. Leaders pull followers with them on that journey.

Change begins when an individual is able to take instruction and see it more than a simple collection of facts; rather, it drives a personal worldview – those facts mean something.

How we view ourselves (our very “origin,” our view of Truth, our role in society) impacts how we view others (their value, importance and meaning). Leaders are people who are centered and therefore can love others in a way the builds community – a team – with honest, encouraging camaraderie. Leaders invest the time to develop the habits needed to apply the heart and tune the ears so that, with true altruism, they can give themselves.

Leaders give. Time. Resources. Insights. Instruction. Encouragement. Energy. Leadership that promotes followers and builds new leaders is framed within the context of serving. The servant-leader has learned to learn – because knowing self and controlling self is not an event – it’s a process. Lifelong. Ongoing. Like learning.

Are you learning to be a leader?



Copyright ©2010 by P. Griffith Lindell

Idols and Leading

Proverbs 8:4 (NCV) Wisdom calls to you like someone shouting; understanding raises her voice.


I got ‘em. Trying to get rid of them as they become evident. But love them, anyway. After all, they are my idols.

As leaders, we often hang onto old stuff – stuff of our making. Wisdom - the capital “W” Wisdom, which has been around before creation, and is found only in God – and that Wisdom must drive my worship.

I’m reminded of God speaking in the major prophets about those foolish people who find wood, use part of it for a fire, and part of it to carve an idol. Melt some gold to wrap the wood: it’s still wooden. Then they worship it. I used to laugh. “How stupid. How silly. Why did the Israelites, who saw miracles, worship those things?”

I missed the point. I’m just like them. Wisdom was shouting at me. I was transfixed by my idol.

Leading – without the disciplines of knowing yourself, controlling yourself, giving yourself – easily can lead to hubris, not humility. Business publication, journals, papers contain good stuff, but not truth. God is Truth. Learning to listen to Wisdom only happens if we are in the Word.

Wisdom’s calling. Are you listening?


Copyright ©2010 by P. Griffith Lindell

Richness. No Sorrow. That's the Leadership Promise

Proverbs 10:22 (AMP) The blessing of the Lord--it makes [truly] rich, and He adds no sorrow with it [neither does toiling increase it].

Quite a promise when you think about it: riches with no sorrow; wealth without anxiety.

And why does not work (toiling) increase it? Seems counter- intuitive. Could it be about riches that have eternal value - not temporal value? Richness that are paid in the coin of the Kingdom?

No worrying about who might take it away; or how you might loose it; or the tax burden because of it; or the misunderstandings about you because you have it in you care.

Clean the "temple." Get rid of the idols. Burn those high places. Chop down those Asherah poles. Get rid of ANYTHING that enslaves you. Blessings from the Lord are freeing, not enslaving.

So, just whom does the Lord bless? Those that worship him at work, at life, each in holiness that glorifies God and builds truth into your character.

Those who are diligent to know Him so as to be like Him; to bless others as He did; and, to obey Him - do so knowing that they will enjoy Him forever.

They do this without a hint of "ownership" or self-centeredness; rather, those folks are committed to stewardship - investing well for the owner those things that have given to their care.

• Are you building His kingdom by leading from an attitude of humility?

• Do we lead so our strategics focus upon the Creator - not the creations? {what glorify God with this transaction}?

• How will other see Christ in us, the hope of glory if we take this or that course of action?

• Are we making decisions to make us look good, or God look good? Hopefully, our answer is congruent.

I’m challenged. Are you?


Copyright ©2010 by P. Griffith Lindell

Leadership Foundation

Proverbs 5:1-2 (NIV) My son, pay attention to my wisdom, listen well to my words of insight, that you may maintain discretion and your lips may preserve knowledge.

Successful businesses serve well the needs of their customers in an environment where employees thrive and are rewarded in words and deeds.

Employee and customer needs fulfilled in such a way that the investor’s financial needs, and the community that surrounds the business, profits from the enterprise.

Biblical wisdom supports each of these activities of a business. To name just a few:

• Meet the needs of other first.
• Treat employees with honor and fairly.
• Pay your debts.
• Your actions impact the world.

Your source of wisdom when leading determines – well, everything.

Business ethics adheres to the underlying principle that there is bedrock truth upon which you must build your thought life and behavior. Solomon of old never assumed that truth was relative and that morality was a function of personal choice: his worldview drove his wise proverbs.

Do you pay more attention to what God teaches or the situational, shifting ethics of man?

Are you grounded in Wisdom? If not, wise up!


Copyright © 2010 P. Griffith Lindell

Purity of Purpose

Proverbs 20:9 (NLT) Who can say, “I have cleansed my heart; I am pure and free from sin”?

Integrity. A word much used by leaders. Means wholeness. Purity. God is holy – whole - pure.
The power of positive leadership is found purity. Purity is a constant struggle - especially in the little things that are woven in the fabric of the life of any of us who would lead.

Leadership involves getting along with many people. Some you want to get along. And then there are the “others.” You want your employees and customers to forgive you when you make a mistake – and you will make mistakes - you will be forgiven in the same measure you forgive those around you.

You want good relationships with your business peers – your business “neighbors?” Those relationships flow from a pure heart toward them, even (maybe especially) those who don’t treat you well - those who make promises to the market they never keep and you are painted with the brush of their hypocrisy because of your friendship. It angers you; however, you cannot hate your business brother and say you love God.

I’m reminded of the story of da Vinci who, when painting The Last Supper, had a bitter argument with a friend that ended in angry words. Later that day, da Vinci went to add paint to the face of Jesus and could not. He realized his painting was not being produced by pureness of heart. He put down his brush and searched until he found his friend and asked forgiveness for his anger. Only then was he able to paint.

Purity of heart demands of us leaders a daily dedication to allowing our Creator to cleanse us and thereby reaffirm our purpose to be stewards of the time, talents and treasure He has given us. Effective leaders are good stewards.

“Create in me a clean heart O God…” is not just a prayer for the so-called “big” sins – it is the daily prayer of a leader for every sin.

Leadership is a daily thing. Are you committed – each and every day?

Copyright (c) 2010 by P. Griffith Lindell

Our 234th National Birthday

We are a nation that was built on principles of opportunity that are equal to all. We had some things to work out on that principle, and we did. We may not have arrived, but socialism is not the answer.

We were a nation built on rewards for individual effort to those who take risks (both principles of capitalism). As friend, Bob Shank, points out, "Your kids, your employees, even your well-to-do neighbors are "under the influence" of voices who are singing the virtues of Socialism, in four-part harmony. If you don't draw the line in the economic sand and begin reeducating the gullible within the sound of your voice, who will?"

On this 2010 Independence Day celebrations, where does that leave us? Wandering a bit, it think.

Economic Capitalism, which derives power to build because of the principles of freedom, had it roots in Biblical Christianity. As a nation, we have lost our way in a short span of 200 years.

John Quincy Adams, himself a President and son of John Adams or 2nd President, in 1837 when he was 69 yrs old, delivered a 4th July speech at Newburyport, Massachusetts.

In it, he asked some powerful questions of those gathered, the answers to which would be far different than from today's audience:

“Why is it that, next to the birthday of the Savior of the world, your most joyous and most venerated festival returns on this day [the Fourth of July]?"

[comment] Our culture scoffs less than 200 years later. The birthday of the Savior has become the Holiday Season - the 4th is more about platitudes than principles of individual responsibility to govern and be governed.

“Is it not that, in the chain of human events, the birthday of the nation is indissolubly linked with the birthday of the Savior? That it forms a leading event in the progress of the Gospel dispensation? Is it not that the Declaration of Independence first organized the social compact on the foundation of the Redeemer's mission upon earth? That it laid the cornerstone of human government upon the first precepts of Christianity?"

[comment - I bet this is not taught in public schools! We have become a nation that would quickly listen to the Michael Moore's, Sean Penn's and the Hugo Chavez’s than to the thinkers and doers of our early national fathers.]

National freedom is important. Eternal freedom is vital; therefore, my prayer for this holiday:

"We acknowledge Heavenly Father, that there is no greater feeling of liberation than to experience freedom from sin and death that you have provided to all who would believe through Jesus Christ.

And because of this liberation, my heart and soul are free to praise you. For this I am very thankful.

Let us not take our freedom, both physical and spiritual, for granted. May we always remember that our national freedom was purchased with a very high price and today, Lord, we are reminded that our nation’s continuing freedom cost others their very lives. Bless those who have served and continue to give their lives for the cause of freedom both physical and spiritual. For those who spread the Gospel both at home and abroad, and for those who are willing to die so that freedom reigns, we ask, that with heavenly favor and bounty, you meet their needs and watch over their families.

May each of us make the choice to be a blessing in someone's life and grant us the opportunity to lead others into the freedom that can only be found in knowing Christ.

May our freedom be evidenced by our stewardship of the time you have given each of use, by the treasure you have given us, by the talents you have granted each.

We give these back to you.

Grant to each of us Father a keen awareness of our role as stewards, not owners of our time, talent and treasure.

May the gifts of each that we give back to you be multiplied by a heavenly arithmetic to the glory of your Name and your Kingdom on Earth.

In the name of the One who is the granter of true freedom, in the name of Jesus, I pray, AMEN."

Are you investing in the Kingdom?

Son-light

Proverbs 18:2 Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions.


A small break in the clouds
And the morning light paints the sky with reds, yellows and bright.
Just a quick peek,
Then gone.
Clouds - high, quiet blankets of gray now rule.

It colors my life - isolated under this blanket of gray
Focused not on the sun, that is not seen,
but on the monotone color of an overcast morning -
seen, felt, believed and quiet.
It colors my opinion of morning information.

High winds aloft begin to scrub the sky
stirring up the blanket of gray into soft cotton-balls of white
And the sun is again revealed.
It never moved. Always there. Now shining.
The day feels better.

Colors more brilliant. Shadows dance with the morning dew.
The air looses its chill and my life is once again colored by the sun.
Then the thought hits me:
my life should always be colored by the Son - seen or unseen.

Focus on the Son that I know is there - not on the clouds that chill the air.

###

Where's your focus?


Copyright 2010 by P. Griffith Lindell

Leaders Going to the Well

Proverbs 10:11 (MSG) The mouth of a good person is a deep, life-giving well, but the mouth of the wicked is a dark cave of abuse.

The picture is striking: a working well or a dark cave.

Keeping the metaphor simple, only one source refreshes the body, mind and spirit. I'm not talking about "church." May well be a well - a well around which we gather on Sunday.

How do you make the “Sunday refreshment” last the whole week? You don't. One drink of water on Sunday won't last the week in life. You know that. Why would you think it would be any different in the spiritual realm?

Some folks have found a way to make the Sunday glass of water multiply Monday through Saturday. They are getting hydrated with an eternal source of water that sustains their personal and business lives. Hydration coming from others who have walked in their shoes - making payroll, growing a business, trying to be profitable, dealing the capital gobbling monsters of market forces beyond personal control - all the while living a life that is clearly hydrated with energy and business excellence.

How does that happen? Is it real? You bet it is.

Most often, this kind of refreshment is found during the week with a group of men and woman committed to growing the Kingdom of God and being an attractive example of business excellence that is pleasing both to God and all people.

One such group comes out of Fellowship of Companies for Christ International (FCCI) - you may know them as Christ@Work. To find a Christ@Work Group in your area, call (770) 685-6000 or email them at csr@fcci.org - their new FaceBook Fan page can be found at http://tiny.cc/sy7us.

Find a “well” near you. Join them. Find the refreshment from folks who are committed to finding business, personal and spiritual life from the One who said that "if anyone believes in [Him], rivers of living water will flow out from that person's heart..."

Refreshing well or dark cave: where are you going to get refreshed?


Copyright ©2010 by P. Griffith Lindell

Leadership and Ambition

Prov. 27:20 (NCV) People will never stop dying and being destroyed, and they will never stop wanting more than they have.

What we “chase after” defines us – whether we like it or not. Some of us are more subtle in our chasing – we keep it at the fantasy level – you know, just in the head – never expressed as a vision, or personal goal. But it’s there. Defining us. What a person meditates upon can destroy them or develop them.

The human story is ripe with ambitious men and women – chasing dreams that, in the end, destroyed them, and even societies. Fortunately, there are also stories in the Judeo/Christian record of leaders whose ambition was not me-centered, but God-centered expressing an ambition to encourage, empower, and enhance the lives of others.

What are people of faith to do in the marketplace? "The world's idea that everyone, from childhood up, should be able at all times to succeed in measurable ways, and that it is a great disgrace not to, hangs over the Christian community like a pall of acrid smoke." (J.I. Packer. A Passion for Faithfulness: Wisdom From the Book of Nehemiah, Crossway Books 2000, pg. 206)

Our ambition must be coated with a resolute discipline of our will and built around the core of a humility of our spirit – or, we will end up leading just like those whose purpose for living is wrapped up in survival and not in eternity.

What are you wanting?


Copyright ©2010 by P.Griffith Lindell

Servant-leadership: the Power of Influence

Proverbs 11:28 (MSG) A life devoted to things is a dead life, a stump; a God-shaped life is a flourishing tree.


The marketplace is filled with people who are building. And building, per se, is good. It’s not the building that’s the problem: it is what one is “devoted to” in that “building” that’s the issue.

Jesus ben Joseph (as, no doubt, he was known in his younger days), this builder, artisan, craftsman from Nazareth, was known for his trade, his work. Among the responsibilities of a Jewish father to his sons were circumcision, and the teaching of a trade – in this case, the potential of a tree (the kind of wood, what could be done with it, what it was best for). Joseph did his job.

More importantly, that teaching included building an understanding of the “Why” of Jewish rites and beliefs. God intended His people to build lives with eternal meaning – not just temporal excellence - and fathers were to pass down to sons that rich heritage of excellence and eternity.

Of course the people with whom he grew up were confused when Jesus the craftsman returned as Jesus the Rabi with a bunch of followers. Where is theological training? He’s an artisan, not a theologian! Jesus, the Christ, came into the world when there existed the same confusion then as today – the scared is over there; the secular is here; and never the twain shall meet. The worship of dead stuff has always been a poor, but widely accepted, substitute for the workshop of the living.

Devoting one’s life to the accumulation of power, prestige, and play–things yield stuff, but not satisfaction: Success, but not significance. Devoting self to the living and eternal should change how we do business: for some of us, power and prestige will follow – not because it’s pursued, but because God wants to show Himself alive in our lives.

The power of our influence will flow out of the prestige of doing business so well that others want to know the how and why.

Upon what are you focused – success (a stump) or significance (a tree)?


Copyright © 2010 by P. Griffith Lindell