Facing our Demons: The Six Temptations Every Leader Faces When it Comes to Money
Any Christian who has served in a leadership capacity knows that the position is dominated by issues related to money. We assume positions of leadership because of our passion and calling to carry out a mission, achieve a vision and accomplish significant work. Whether leading a for-profit company or a not-for-profit ministry, we come into leadership with our eyes focused on some other prize than the merely financial. However it is not long before we realize that our day-to-day work is dominated by decisions surrounding income and expenses, debt and investment, balance sheets and cash flow projections.
Every decision we make as a leader has financial implications, and how we understand the place and role of money in our institutions may have a greater effect on our success as leaders than any other single factor. This is a powerful and provocative statement but one that I believe to be true. Think back over the last four weeks in your leadership role. How much of your thinking and planning was dominated and influenced by the financial realities you face? How much conversation and strategy focused on securing more income, controlling expenses, setting or adjusting budgets, taking on or eliminating debt, managing investments? The discerning leader understands that because every decision he or she makes has financial implications, their own personal view of money will shape those decisions and with them the future of the entire organization.
Over the next two weeks we will look at the six temptations faced by every leader with regard to the role and function of money in their organization, the transformation that is our obligation and opportunity as Christian leaders, and the transparency that is the product of a Christian leader who has been set free to be a godly steward personally, and a steward leader on behalf of their organization.
Send this to every Christian leader you know and follow along as we navigate these hazardous waters.
