Forums Focus: A weekly blog to enlighten, encourage and equip Christian business leaders to lead in business using Biblical Business Principles.

Biblical Business Principles – The last week we focused on Two Questions. How often in your business day are you asking, “Is what I’m doing pleasing God?”

This week we will focus on Identifying Leaders. Who have been the best leaders in your life? Why?

In this Forums Focus we will consider a leader as anyone who leads one or more people. Simply stated, leaders have responsibility for the outcome, direct others, and report back. Even when you send just two people to do a job, it is wise to name one as the lead person for that job. How do you choose leaders?

Finally, the LORD said to Samuel, “You have mourned long enough for Saul. I have rejected him as king of Israel. Now fill your horn with olive oil and go to Bethlehem. Find a man named Jesse who lives there, for I have selected one of his sons to be my new king.” But Samuel asked, “How can I do that? If Saul hears about it, he will kill me.” “Take a heifer with you,” the LORD replied, “and say that you have come to make a sacrifice to the LORD. Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you which of his sons to anoint for me.” So Samuel did as the LORD instructed him. When he arrived at Bethlehem, the leaders of the town became afraid. “What’s wrong?” they asked. “Do you come in peace?” “Yes,” Samuel replied. “I have come to sacrifice to the LORD. Purify yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice.” Then Samuel performed the purification rite for Jesse and his sons and invited them, too. When they arrived, Samuel took one look at Eliab and thought, “Surely this is the LORD’s anointed!” But the LORD said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD doesn’t make decisions the way you do! People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at a person’s thoughts and intentions.” 1 Samuel 16:1-7 NLT

We have a tendency to look at outward impressiveness, but we should look at inward character. As God told Samuel, we should examine character qualities. How can you measure character qualities?

While the following excerpts from 1 Timothy 3 are in reference to elders and deacons in the church, the qualities listed reflect good character traits and provide a checklist for choosing leaders in business.
…life cannot be spoken against
…faithful to spouse.
…exhibit self-control
…live wisely
…a good reputation
…enjoy having guests in home
…able to teach
…not a heavy drinker or violent
…gentle, peace loving
…not one who loves money
…manage own family well, with children who respect and obey
…respected and has integrity
…committed to the revealed truth
…live with a clear conscience
…(tested by being) given other (lesser) responsibilities as a test of their character and ability
…exercise self-control
…faithful in everything they do

How might applying this checklist in your selection process for identifying leaders impact your business? What steps can you take to apply it for carefully made high level management selections? What steps can you take to apply it for spur of the moment short term task assignments?

Bit of Wisdom
An employer who hires a fool or a bystander is like an archer who shoots at random. Proverbs 26:10 NLT

Forums Ministry News
Business By the Book Workshops are an excellent way to learn and review Biblical Business Principles. View a promotional video at http://www.crown.org/cart/videos/BI277/BBTBMed.asp
Prayerfully consider hosting a Business by the Book Workshop at your company or church? For more information email plantz@cbmc.com or dmoyer@cbmc.com

BBB Groups help graduates of Business By the Book Workshops and Seminars apply Biblical Business Principles. For more information contact plantz@cbmc.com or dmoyer@cbmc.com
Forums Groups help one-another solve difficult business issues using Biblical Business Principles through prayer, counsel, support, and accountability in a confidential environment. For additional information go to http://forums.cbmc.com or email plantz@cbmc.com or dmoyer@cbmc.com

The Forums Ministry includes Business by The Book Workshops, BBB Groups, Forum Groups and the Business Leadership Forum. See http://md.cbmc.com
For more information email plantz@cbmc.com or dmoyer@cbmc.com

Paul Lantz
CBMC Forums
Office & Cell 443-248-0377
Email plantz@cbmc.com
Web http://md.cbmc.com