“In times of change, learners inherit the Earth, while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists.” Philosopher Eric Hoffer
There is no doubt about it, change is upon us, increasing at an exponential pace. When knowledge is doubling every eighteen months and increasing, how is one to stay current and meet expectations? We must be constant learners. We must be as the sons of Issachar, “men who had an understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do.” (1 Chronicles 12:32 ESV)
In the book entitled, “Applebee’s America, How Successful Political, Business, and Religious Leaders Connect with the New American Community,” the authors point to a person in our society they have named “the Navigator”. They point out that this is a type of leader who serves as a connector, who knows what is going on, knows how to address the challenges with the right people and solutions, and points the way out of a stormy environment. This type of influencer possesses the ability to “touch” people at a “gut level” with values that are transformational. These leaders understand that empathy and optimism; strength and decisiveness; authenticity, faith, community, belonging, and purpose, are vitally important.
As a business leader, you might be asking yourself this question: Am I a Navigator? I have always believed that when a business determines to serve, supply, and satisfy the customer through truth and transparency, trust, creativity, and impact will be present. These values come from the Word of God. Biblical truth generates our beliefs. Our beliefs formulate our values. Our values develop our character. Our character determines our behavior. When intimacy with God and integrity with people are within the actions of a leader, Godly influence will result leading to fulfillment and profitability. Bottom line, you become a Biblical Navigator, impacting your customer with confidence, satisfaction, and accomplishment.
“The Purpose Driven Life” sold more than 25 million copies, making it the best-selling hard cover in U.S. History at that time. Author Rick Warren wrote:
“It’s not about you. The purpose of your life is far greater than your own personal fulfillment, your peace of mind or even your happiness. It’s far greater than your family, your career, or even your wildest dreams and ambitions. If you want to know why you were placed on this earth, you must begin with God. You were born by His purpose and for His purpose.”
He went on to say that the success of his book was that “people are hungry for meaning in their lives.”
As a business professional, securing your business to meet the needs of people through truth and transparency will yield unmatched influence regardless of the product or service. Serving as a Biblical Navigator, connecting people with the right influence through Biblical values in their search of need will be honored by the Lord Himself. He was a carpenter and understood these thoughts very well. Your profession will be used of the Almighty in a very practical way.
Fasten your seat belts. God will be using you in unmatched and unthinkable ways in a very fulfilling manner. Remember George Hormel’s words: “I work for God and pack meats to pay for the expenses.” Something to think about!
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Rev./Dr. Mark T. O’Farrell is President of Trinity College of Florida located in Trinity, Florida since 2005. Dr. O’Farrell is licensed as an Official Worker of The Christian and Missionary Alliance and has served in pastorates in Belle Glade and Port Charlotte, Florida.
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