Steward's Blog

Leaders Establish a Firm Foundation

In our lifetimes, we will likely be part of building various things. This includes the businesses, organizations and teams we have been given the amazing privilege to create. A significant factor for us to consider as leaders relates to the foundation on which we will build. As leaders, this first starts with us. What foundation have we built our lives upon? How does this foundation impact the potential success or failure of what we are building. Can this concept of foundation help us as we lead within our organizations towards achieving desired results? It turns out, the bible has much to say about the importance of foundation and provides guidance on whom and how that foundation should be built.

Is Foundation that Important?

I was on a recent beach vacation and noticed some buildings that were being erected one block back from the ocean. Given proximity to the water, the entire lot was nothing but sand. I wondered how they would go about putting in a foundation that would hold up any new structure given the potential for rising water and hurricane conditions. I did some research and discovered that they essentially dig down until they either hit solid rock, or just dig deep enough in the sand that it reduces the chances for movement. In either case, they are digging deep to put in a solid foundation.

We read about something similar in Luke 6:46-49 in a parable Jesus told his followers. He was encouraging them to put into action what he was teaching, and painting a picture of the alternative. When we listen to Jesus, go deep in His Word and take the appropriate actions to follow Him, it is like building our lives (house) on rock, a firm foundation. When the things of life come at us like rising water or hurricanes level winds, we can withstand their effects. The opposite picture is also expressed. When we build on our lives on things of this world, and the storms of life hit, we will get taken down.

I would suggest to you this same analogy applies to our businesses, organizations and teams. If you agree, what does this foundation look like and how do we go about putting it in place?

First Things First

In our businesses or teams, it likely starts out with an idea, dream or vision of what could be achieved in the future. We see things that are not being done well, people being underserved, or services not being provided anywhere in the marketplace. We are inspired by our Father in Heaven to launch out to do something about fulfilling this need. I would like to suggest that as we take this step of faith, consider the foundations of this venture or idea. What will be the process and key components that will provide the solid foundation for the business or organization to build upon and help you achieve desired results?

As a high-level process, I would encourage you to first seek the Lord in this, asking Him to show, clarify and give you creative ideas that will help move you towards achieving the Visions, or picture of the future He has placed inside of you. Ask Him to clarify a Mission, an overarching purpose of what He would like you to accomplish through your business or organization. Seek Him for the core ways you want your business to function, what others in the marketplace will experience as they interact with you and your team, your Core Values.

As you seek your Father in Heaven for clarity on your Mission(M), Vision(V) and Core Values(CV’s) and move them forward in faith, you are essentially building upon Him, and these can become the Foundations for your business.

Monday Morning

How deep have you gone in establishing this foundation of M, V, CV’s within your business or team? Was it a result of a one-time session or book that you read that resulted in catchy phrases or things that bubbled to the top of your mind? In the parable Jesus spoke in Luke 6:46-49, He references digging deep to find the firm foundation. This implies more than dipping our shovel in the ground.

Consider that this passage provides us with a picture that is more than a one-time event. It is likely a lifetime of growing daily as a leader in our relationship with our Heavenly Father. In 1 Corinthians 3: 9-10, the Apostle Paul tells us that we are co-workers with God in the mission He has given us to accomplish. As part of this, we are His cultivated garden, a house He is building. God has given you unique gifts and set you up as a skilled master builder in business. As we spend time with him each day, he is cultivating, preparing and using us to achieve His Eternal purposes in the Marketplace. Are you spending time each day in His Word, seeking and allowing Him to cultivate and prepare you for this amazing mission? As His skilled master builder in the marketplace, you are laying a firm foundation for your business and team.

This relationship with our Father in Heaven will help us establish our Mission, Vision and Core Values. This can help us as we dig deep and establish a firm foundation in our lives and our businesses through which we can glorify our Father in Heaven. As a result, we can better position ourselves to impact eternity with the countless lives He has called us to influence and awaken in the marketplace.

I would encourage you to revisit your Mission, Vision and Core Values. Seek the Lord, ask Him to reveal things that were possibly hidden before to your heart and mind. These could include what He wants you to accomplish in the marketplace, and the Core Values with which to carry them out. As you interact, train and encourage your team through the lens of your Mission, Vision and Core Values, you are essentially living out your life for and showing Christ to a dying world. This also applies as you interact with your customers and vendors, as they experience your Core Values up close and personal.

If you would like to go deeper on these subjects and ways to bring Glory to the Father, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at randy.earnst@we-r-stewards.com, or visit our website at www.we-r-stewards.com

RANDY EARNST, Founder of We R Stewards, has an Eternity-biased passion to fan the flames of positive leadership in business owners and CEO’s. Read more about We R Stewards and Randy, or connect with him via email, phone or online.

More Blog Entries

Faith, Timing and Provision

When we search for direction in a business decision, it will likely involve aspects of faith, timing and provision. A few examples may be seeking direction on when to start a new product or service, pull out of a territory, add to your team and hire, let go of a staff member not fulfilling the duties of their job, and many others. God will often use the things not so obvious and last-minute to provide both direction and exactly what we need at each step of the way. This requires faith and confidence that God is ultimately your boss, leader and financial provider. As you carry out and are driven by His purposes within your organization, He will provide the resources you need at exactly the right time.

Godly Leaders Trust and Obey, Daily

As leaders, we will experience uncertainties and likely some anxious moments. These ups and downs can go along with business cycles, world and economic events. In these times, stay focused on following God and pursuing first His kingdom. This aligns us with His purposes and honors Him as stewards. When we do, He promises to provide for what we need. (Matthew 6: 8-11) As business owners and leaders, this will require faith. In return, it will lead us to a deeper Trust in God, and will result in obeying Him daily. These biblical principles are illustrated in the Christmas story of Jesus birth as captured in Matthew 1: 18-25.

A Leader’s View of Money- Eternal Economics Indicator

When you think about your business, it likely revolves around and is driven by one central component: Money. Ultimately this is what the world we live in measures as success. Money is what people work for, returns your business investment, what your vendors seek, and what your customers use to access your goods and services. There is no way around this, nor should we over-spiritualize it. However, what you are driving towards and continually reflecting on will determine your eternal impact. What you are making your life and business ultimately about, and what you are doing with this money may be the most important factor. This is what I will call the Eternal Economics Indicator.

A Leaders Power Position

As leaders, we are in positions of power, with access to power. This aligns and puts us in the best possible position for success, and more importantly, significance. In the bible, we read stories pictorializing how Jesus and other leaders viewed power, as one of influencing towards eternity through prayer and acts of humility. While Jesus was on this earth, He influenced many for eternity. His example of seeking the Father in Heaven for Himself and others gives us as leaders a roadmap to follow.

A Leaders Pursuit

As a steward of God’s leadership calling in our lives, I encourage you to continually pursue the dreams and visions God has given you. Like in the movie ‘field of dreams’, if you build it, they will come. The only difference is that we are ultimately not the one building it, God is. In 1 Peter 4:10, Peter encourages us to be good stewards and use the talents and gifts we have been given by God in serving others. For us as CEOs, business owners, and leaders, consider that this includes our abilities to lead in business and in the marketplace. Our business and leadership roles are wonderful and amazing resources. With this concept in mind, we have the opportunity to care for and point others towards Christ through it. In the Field of Dreams movie, the owner made many sacrifices and fought hard for the dreams he was inspired to build. We have been called to the same leadership pursuit!

Leadership Involves Testing

As leaders, sometimes our decisions as God’s stewards will require faith. Faith in what He is doing, as well as what He may be guiding us to do. When He calls us to do something of significance in our businesses or teams, it will likely require us to step out and do something that may not make sense. Like Abraham in his time of spiritual testing and preparation, he was told by God to sacrifice his son. Certainly this could not have made any sense to him. Abraham had a choice to rely in his own thinking, or put his full trust in the Lord. Like many things in our lives, hindsight is 20/20, but we can see in reading the scriptures that this situation in Abraham's life was certainly a test of bigger things to come. We will likely never have to make the choice of sacrificing our child, but there will likely be things we will view as significant in our business that God may be calling us towards bold steps of faith.

Whom Should We Fear As Leaders

A fundamental benefit of viewing our businesses as God’s is that it puts the ultimate line of sight of its success in God. (Psalm 24:1) As business leaders, we have been given a vital role. Our view of God as ultimate owner in this equation allows us to have a biblical view of success. This includes both what we can see, and more importantly, eternal impacts. In Deuteronomy 6:10-12, Moses had a message for the Israelites. He was encouraging them not to forget who brought them into the land sworn to their fathers, and the ultimate source of their blessings. Moses also encouraged them not to become proud and forget the Lord, but to have a healthy fear of the Lord, who provided all they had been given. God had provided a way and brought them out of slavery. (Deut 8: 12-14) Likewise, I encourage you to fear only the Lord. By doing so, we give God the Glory for the things He has done and will do in the life of our businesses and teams.

As The Leader- Who Will You Serve

If you have been following my blog, a common theme is becoming Stewards of our Leadership opportunities. A significant aspect in being a steward is presenting ourselves before God as ready and willing to serve. In this process, remember where God has taken us in the past, and believe that He has great plans for us in the future. God has positioned us and desires to accomplish things for His Kingdom through us. As His stewards, let us walk worthy of this calling. (Eph 4:1) As part of this leadership calling, set the attitude that as for me and my business or team, we will be ready to first serve the Lord. With this mindset, others can be impacted for eternity through our business or team.

Alignment is Key To Impact

In our role as leaders, an important aspect to consider is alignment. As a leader within our companies, we have been given authority over others to inspire and provide guidance. In this capacity, consider that along with this amazing opportunity to lead others, we are also under God’s authority. Our success in carrying out our purpose in the marketplace will be in context to the degree we have leadership alignment. Both with God and with our team(s).

Who Is In the Drivers Seat?

Picture your business or leadership team like a car. As the leader, you are sitting in the drivers seat. In that seat, you are steering the car in a particular direction, for a particular purpose. As owners and/or leaders in our businesses, it certainly feels like we should be the one in total control. Our hands are on the steering wheel and we have a sense that the opportunity in front of us is ours to achieve. Although God has given us free will, abilities, drive and resources to move things forward in our lives, lets take time to consider where these things originated from. Is it top of mind that the ultimate purpose for the business and leadership role you are in is God ordained? This perspective helps us align with who ultimately put us in the drivers seat. This provides a clearer vision for our role as His Stewards. The challenge for us as business owners is we may not always see the businesses we are leading as God's.

We are on the clock- Invest in What Matters

Our lives as leaders should reflect our ultimate mission, vision, and residence. As believers in Christ, our ultimate residence is in Heaven. In light of this, consider our ultimate vision and mission. Do they include doing all we can with what we have in the time we have to help others join us there. Our lifestyles, how we live, lead, and make decisions in our business should reflect and align with this belief. As God’s business stewards, are we spending the time and resources God has given us investing in the things that are going to move on to heaven. We are on the clock, let us invest in what matters!

Giving Fuel To The Leaders Around You

In what ways are you sowing into and giving inspiration to your leaders? They have a crucial role within your business, guiding one of your largest investments, your people. Do they feel and observe your support? Is fuel being put in their tanks or being depleted from it? Are you preparing the way for them to soar? This is influenced by the way you lead, the vision and values you live by and the culture that has been established within your organization or your team. Are they expected and empowered to do the same for the leaders in their sphere of influence? The answers to these important questions may determine the motivation level of your leaders and the ultimate success of your company.

Expect Distractions

If it is your desire and vision to have an eternal impact in the marketplace, expect distractions. This would include both in our lives and as the leader within our businesses. What types of things try and entice us away from God’s direction and calling? Let us take a closer look.

Proper Perspective

There are things in our lives that hold us back from achieving all God has in store. This includes experiencing the joy and peace that God desires for us while carrying out His purposes on earth. This closely corresponds with storing up rewards and treasures in Heaven. How we view ourselves and others in relation to God helps us reflect on our hearts, desires, and the focal points of our lives.

Our Identity as Leaders

As leaders, where do we get our identity? Is it in what we do, our role, our business? Our goal, desire, and calling is to bring glory to our Father in Heaven. With this in mind, Christ is our ultimate example (John 17:4). To be effective in our work for the Lord, consider the need to see and get our identity from Christ.

Soar On Wings Like Eagles

As things happen in our lives and our businesses, these create intersections. These intersections are where the natural crosses the supernatural. They represent certain times in our lives and our businesses where we will have a choice. This choice is to wait on the Lord, and trust that He is present in the situation. In being present, expect, look for and hope in what He will do. In doing so, we can soar on the wings of eagles. When Eagles soar, they get rest, recharge, gain new strength and renew their power.

We Will Do Greater Things

Just before He left this earth, Jesus had a conversation with His disciples as outlined in John chapter 14. In this passage, Jesus is comforting them. He is leaving the earth to go be with His Father in Heaven. As part of his conversation, Jesus tells them He will be back. As part of this dialogue, He also casts a vision to them. By Him parting the earth, they will accomplish even greater things than He. I believe this vision also applies to us! The question for us is what are those greater things, and how will we accomplish them?

Leadership Courage

As leaders, we will need courage in many situations to move things forward in a healthy way. Even though in heaven we will have perfect peace and harmony, in our businesses we will need to deal with some levels of disagreement and conflict. This includes having tough conversations with others. These conversations could be with other leaders, employees, vendors, and even customers. They will require courage, taking one step at a time, and keeping our eyes on God.

Leadership Confidence

Where does our confidence as leaders rest? For us to accomplish the grand plans God has for us, He must develop the level of confidence required in us. This confidence is in God and not in ourselves. Each day provides windows of new opportunities to develop in Godly confidence, the question is whether we will walk through them.

Power for our Lives

This weekend we reflect on and celebrate what I believe to be the most important event in human history. The price was paid on our behalf to allow us the opportunity to spend eternity in heaven. Within its events, we have been given access to tremendous power for living out our lives with great joy, peace, purpose, and impact.

Treasures in the Marketplace

As we consider the value of our business in the Marketplace, let us reflect on the treasure it influences. I encourage us to reflect and focus on the idea that God desires for us to be successful in all we do. The challenge in this is we don’t always define success as He would. Along with this, He has high expectations for the way in which we lead in the businesses he has given us as His stewards towards discovering this treasure.

We Did Not Get Here Alone

When seeking advice, we should value the accumulated wisdom of those God has put around us. The key to this is the word value, which means to assign a high assessment to, or something precious. Many seek advice, but do they actually place value on it.?

Mistakes Make Us Better

In addition to our own wrong turns, God uses others the mistakes of others in our lives to assist us as we develop. There are many around us who have tried similar paths or ideas that we may be contemplating and can lend insight into their experiences. Some ending with positive outcomes as well as ones they wish they could do it all over again. Making mistakes in business is bound to happen, but with gaining insights from others, they can be less impactful.

Who Influences You

As you drive and lead in your business, have you ever found yourself in a dilemma or indecisive moment? When it comes to business decisions, many of them can be of high impact. Given this, considering all who will be impacted and getting counsel is wise.

Doors Opened

As you view your daily life, do you see it as including open doors of opportunity to impact others? Keeping with this perspective, do we consider those opportunities as ones opened by our Father in Heaven? As we go through each day, the presence of Christ guides our path.

A Focus on Success

As leaders, are you concerned about being too focused on the success of your business? That driving hard to new heights of success in your business is not God honoring? I would argue the opposite.

Taking off…

Today we have officially taken off into a great adventure under the banner We R Stewards. Our mission is to encourage and equip Business Owners and CEOs in their amazing stewardship role within the businesses they lead. The eternal impact we can have on the marketplace, and all the lives that are touched through it is unmeasurable. Vision is that God created and owns everything and We R Stewards. We acknowledge that this includes our businesses.