BY DR. SHANNON HOGAN AND ALTON SHADY:
Proverbs 11:24 states, “One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.” The implications of this verse have eternal remunerations that do not come in the form of dollars and cents, yet pays more than your hard work ever could. Solomon’s discourse does not suggest one should give of their financial wealth. Many consider giving in Scripture to be simply money or finances; however, there are many passages that discuss a person devoting themselves to others as a blessing. Paul writing to the church at Philippi states, “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others.” This small passage of scripture gives us insight to the heart of Paul. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Paul presents a case that every person should be self-sacrificing and actively looking for ways to bless others, but not necessarily in financial means. In Luke 10:30, there is a discussion about a Good Samaritan. This person took the time to help a wounded man. The implications of this story are quite powerful. The actual attitude of the Good Samaritan was, “what is mine, is yours. I will let you have it!” Unfortunately, the other people who walked by did not have the same attitude. As one can see, when we give we give with an open heart and that our giving may be way more than money. However, let me challenge you as managers and leaders. Leadership is defined as, “a process whereby one individual influences another individual or group of individuals to perform a specific task.” This definition lends itself to incorporating the above Proverb, Philippians, and Luke passages within it. Leadership is about influence! Influence is about our use of power! If we are leaders within an organization, we need to be asking ourselves how we are counting others more significant than ourselves. If we are hiring people because they do a great job, yet not building them up and giving them opportunities to grow we are exploiting their talent and not abiding by scripture. We need to see business as a way to Transform People, not Make Money! No matter what industry you are in, if God has placed you in a leadership role, He has ordained you to realize that people matter more than profit.
Shannon Hogan studied at Regent University and Lee University. He previously served as the Program Director for the Business and Leadership program at Trinity College of Florida.
Alton Shady graduated from Trinity College of Florida in 2015 as the valedictorian. He received his B.A. in Business and Leadership.
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