In times of tariffs and market volatility, we naturally worry. Yet Jesus commands us not to worry (Matthew 6:25). These are times to depend on God, increase our productivity, store up treasure where it ought to be stored, and grow.
Christ-commissioned leaders seek to advance God’s Kingdom in all spheres of our lives. And in good times, and bad. Green market days and red. So in these troubled waters let’s lead with confidence in Christ. It’s not too hard to see when a storm is coming, but when you are amid a gale the calm seems far off. Depend on God. Pray. Lead. Serve others. And keep checking your priorities. Are they world-focused or Kingdom-focused?
Jesus says, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today” (Matthew 6:34-35).
A few brief thoughts today before we tackle Monday. First, easter is coming. Let’s continue to think about the celebration ahead. And how we ought to think of the Sacrifice our King made for us. We are in the mindset of Lent. Second, be humble. Pride is our enemy. Humbly learn in these trying times. Third, lead by what we do much more than what we say. I’m reminded that good mothers teach wisdom to their sons (Proverbs 31:1); and, good dads best teach wisdom by putting their faith in Jesus into action.
I’m enjoying ‘Choose Your Enemies Wisely,’ by Patrick Bet-David. It’s on business planning and strategy. But its theme is self-control and determination to succeed. We need more of that in America, nay, in the church. Be mindful of enemies. Choose them well. And yes, use them as motivation to drive willpower and success. It’s a spiritual battle played out in the physical world. We are now in a trade war and I pray not an escalated war with China and others. In my lifetime there has never been a greater need for us to be mindful about how to plan well and lead our teams well. The stakes are high.
The Bible is our guide for leadership in these times of crisis. Yes the Bible says much about growth mindset and the responsibility for men and women to lead well. The man who knows Father God yearns to understand and to truly improve. The leadership mindset of the Bible is one of reverence and holy fear of God. We are unable to grow if we don’t rightly fear Jesus.
There is a great line towards the end of the Book of Wisdom and I think it well applies to me (and to every leader). It goes, “I am weary, O God; I am weary and worn out, O God. I am too stupid to be human, and I lack common sense. I have not mastered human wisdom, nor do I know the Holy One” (Proverbs 30:1-3). Our first love and commitment at any time (including crisis) is not to our organization, our family, or our nation. Our first love must always be God our Savior (Matthew 10:37).
We grow in noble character as we grow in God. God uses trials and crises to test us and grow our faith. Only by His grace can we succeed and grow through trial. For justice would doom all of us. The Christian is filled with joy. People ought to see it in our eyes. We smile, humbly and confidently amid the storm because we truly have no fear of the future. We have Jesus - and we have each other. God’s Kingdom is always advancing. And His church, yes His people, are His prized possession.
So, let’s lead and grow today as we take action. Be trustworthy. Be kind. Add value to every file you touch and add encouragement in every conversation. Approach your work with energy, strength, and hard work. Be good at finding solutions. And God will provide all we need.
To my friends shepherding businesses, continue to plan well. I suggest a lot of our plans are now of little use. These are uncharted waters so we best get new maps on the table. Time is of the essence. If your leadership team is not meeting daily, it sure ought to be!
Know who your competitors are and plan to beat them. Be committed to doing so. Beat them in creativity, in hiring, in training, in treating your teammates well, in product, in service, and in innovation. God gave us gifts so we can produce and compete. Times of crisis are times to compete.
Let's seek the Kingdom of God above all else.
Jesus, we trust You alone. Please give us Your grace and peace today. Amen
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