Not My Business, But Yours
It has happened to nearly everyone. A crisis emerges in our personal or professional lives; a crisis that cuts us to the core of our being. It is in those moments when we confess that things will be different. Often times we find ourselves bartering with God.
"If you (fill in the blank), then I'll (fill in the blank)," we promise.
Or, we promise ourselves changes for the better; promises we rarely keep.
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"From now on, I'll spend more time with my wife and kids."
"I'll start to go a little easier on my staff."
"I'll make my days at the office worthwhile, and won't work 100 hours each week."
And that's as far as we ever get. Rarely does a crisis come along that changes who we are, what we're about, and the way we do things. But when it does, you know it. And you will never be the same.
For me, that moment occurred on 9/11/01. I was working as a producer for CNN in Washington, DC and happened to be across the street from the Pentagon the morning its core was shattered by the intrusion of American Airlines Flight 77. Actually, the moment occurred long before that as I and the rest of the world watched the events in New York City unfold on television. I often wonder how many people around the country wished they had kissed their kids goodbye that morning instead of screaming at them over spilled Cheerios. I wonder how many people made promises on the way to the office that morning to do things different because, "that could have been me." I made similar promises until the sound that still reverberates in my head. And then, the change was instantaneous.
No matter what corner of the world you live in, it is probably filled with power-hungry, ego-driven, money-desperate people. So it was in Washington, DC. Walking the Halls of Congress as an elite member of the media certainly fed my ego and drove me to want so much more than I already had. I had enough prestige, money, power but I could have made room for more. And in the twinkling of an eye, all of that changed.
Thousands were dead, we were at war, innocence was lost forever. I covered the tragedy from Washington, DC and from New York. But long before witnessing the remnants of death in person, my heart was already in a different place. I eventually relocated to Indiana to live out the change that had taken place within me.
While the tragedy is seven years behind us, nothing within me has changed. Perhaps, except, the reality that life for the rest of America has returned to normal. We're all back to working too many hours, being late for church, screaming at our neighbors kids (and our own), and accepting road rage as the norm. In her book "Between Heaven and Ground Zero," Leslie Haskin tells how God rescued her from the grip of death on the 36th floor of one of the Twin Towers, and how He returned her to His comforting arms. She says there is nothing wrong with returning back to the business of living, including business. "In fact, I am sure the Lord would have us to do so," she says. "I am equally convinced for His will for our freedom. I believe, finally, that His authentic voice speaks restoration into our souls and gently reminds us through the ash that fell like snow, the crackling radios, and the tears that dropped line rain, of the few things that we should never forget."
One thing we cannot forget is that God's Word is clear in that He wants us to prosper and succeed in all that we do, including our businesses.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord. "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV) What a comfort to know that it's ok to pursue His will for us, and that He's in our corner when we do. But herein lays the operative words: His Will. The Bible warns us of the temptation to sin when we use our wealth - or seek it – improperly.
"Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless." (Eccl. 5:10 NIV)
But how do we find the balance in good wealth and bad wealth? Of good corporate gain and evil corporate motives?
o First, remember who you work for. Jesus is your boss. He placed you in your current position. Whether you are the mail clerk or the founding owner, He owns it all. You are merely His manager.
o Start your morning by applying God's armor for protection from the enemy's arrows (Eph. 6:10-20). The enemy wants you to forget about God during the middle of your hectic work day. Applying the armor of God will help you to keep your focus on Him.
o Ask yourself this question: "Is what I'm after really going to be worth it in the long run?" If the answer is yes, that may be ok. But follow that question with an in-depth analysis of your motives for those goals and the road you're taking to reach those goals. If the answers you discover don't line up with God's Will and His Scripture, a reassessment might be in order.
o Create a life of service within your business. We are instructed to love our neighbor as ourselves. Your employees, your peers, your customers and your boss are all your neighbors. Pray for them. See them through the eyes of the Lord. When that happens, you'll never want to abuse them for your own personal gain.
o Connect with other Christian business leaders in your community. Provide and receive accountability for your business activities. This requires honesty with yourself and your accountability partner.
While I hope for continued prosperity in my own business, the desires of more power, more wealth, and more strokes to my ego no longer roar in my belly. I seek only to glorify God, who gave me a second chance to follow through on my promises.
There's nothing wrong with searching for and finding success in your business. But never forget that it could all be lost in an instant. Don't wake up one day to find yourself standing in a crowd of hundreds taking their last breath only to realize you were on the wrong path of success. And never forget that no matter what tragedy you face in your personal or professional life, the Cross still stands.
