Dead or Alive
You’ve heard the phrase, “I’m worth more dead than alive!” Maybe you’ve even uttered it.
It is a common quip after the initial payment on a significant life insurance policy. Understandable. The immediate windfall of the execution of that contract would be significant.
But let’s get real for a second and remove our proverbial tongue from said cheek.
It’s just not true, no matter the size of the estate transfer.
A couple years ago I crafted a series of social media posts around my latest vehicle acquisition – a 2003 4WD Chevy Blazer LS. The body was in great shape. And after some significant mechanical work, she is as reliable as anything on the road today.
In fact, I feel bad, particularly in this frigid weather, when I drive by cars on the side of the road – flashers blaring. Nine times out of ten those cars are less than five years old. But I digress.
During basketball season I drive a LOT of miles on the blue-ribbon highways of Central Illinois. Translation: deer country. As such, the thought crosses my mind almost every night.
This vehicle is worth so much more to me alive than dead.
It starts every morning (despite single-digit temperatures), warms quickly, and runs smoothly. It gets-me-where-I-wanna-go-to with zero stress or concern – save one.
An accident of any kind.
Because if she gets taken out by a deer (or anything else), my insurance claim, without a doubt, will barely cover the down payment on her replacement.
That story underscores my thoughts about you, Christian business leader, because the same is true inside your organization (and beyond).
Balance sheets can be replaced. Roles can be refilled. Policies can be rewritten.
But you cannot be replicated.
Your presence, your discernment, your ability to hold tension, to see around corners, and to lead with both conviction and care is not something an organization cashes in when you are gone. It is something it desperately depends on while you are here.
No insurance policy or estate transfer can replace your:
servant leadership
vision
institutional and industry knowledge
breadth of care
passion
grit
influence
drive
hope for the future
desire to see others succeed
ownership of all your life’s responsibilities, opportunities, and expectations
As a Christian – a believer – a follower of The Way – you’re good.
You are likely not afraid of the inevitable that lies before each and every one of us.
But the message I want to send you today is one of deep encouragement and challenge with a focus on the value you bring to the world on this side of eternity.
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
- 1 Peter 4:10
So take inventory. Not of your policies or plans, but of your presence.
Ask yourself honestly: Am I leading like someone who knows they are needed today?
You are blessed. You are immensely valuable to your family, your workplace, and the world at large. You have been given an incredible life to celebrate and steward well.
Walk with confidence, humility, and joy, my fellow leader – with LIFE – for you are a child of the King.
Act like it.
Blessings to you, my friends!
==========
This Week’s Resource Recommendation:
"The Call: Finding and Fulfilling God's Purpose For Your Life"
- Os Guinness
From Amazon: Why am I here? What is God's call in my life? How do I fit God's call with my own individuality? How should God's calling affect my career, my plans for the future, and my concepts of success?
First published in 1997 by distinguished author and speaker Os Guiness, The Call remains a treasured source of wisdom for those who ask these questions. According to Guinness, "No idea short of God's call can ground and fulfill the truest human desire for purpose and fulfillment."
In this newly updated and expanded anniversary edition, Guinness explores the truth that God has a specific calling for each one of us and guides a new generation of readers through the journey of hearing and heeding that call.
With more than 100,000 copies in print, The Call is for all who desire a purposeful, intentional life of faith.
MMS 26-05
I would love to send our Monday Morning Stretch directly to you via email and would consider it an honor to serve you in this way. To register, please take 30 seconds to give us permission to do so below.
