There is an infamous scene in the motion picture, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” As a youth, George Bailey is confronted with a serious, and potentially fatal, ethical quandary while working at the drug store owned by Mr. Gower. As the youth reflects momentarily, he looks up and notices a plaque that reads, “Ask Dad – he knows.” George heads straight to the infamous Bailey Savings and Loan where he is confident he can seek the guidance of his father.
As Christians, we are taught from childhood the value of prayer and imitating the life of Jesus. Like George Bailey, we are continually tested in our lives. But how many of us actually seek the advice of God our Father in the workplace?
It’s a perplexing question in a world where individuals are encouraged to leave their religious beliefs at the door. In secular organizations Jesus is often replaced with growth charts, shareholder meetings, sales classes, and a multitude of other distractions. Jesus just doesn’t factor into corporate decision making.
Can you imagine what would happen if a manager conducting the viability of down-sizing asked aloud what Jesus would do? This individual would either endure a future meeting with human resources or have a net thrown over his head.
Therein lies the issue – as Christians, how is it possible to make important business decisions without the guidance of Jesus Christ?
As the economic climate of the United States continues to stagnate, pressures in the workplace are on the rise. Managers and leaders are being pressed with the drive for profitability and ensuring their area of responsibility is ‘lean and mean.’ Often times, this translates into compromised values or a lack of reflection on important life altering decisions.
We are seeing this today in the financial services industry. At a time when jobs in the industry are relatively scarce, we continually read about massive lay-offs in an attempt to satisfy shareholder demand. There are legitimate arguments for the need to downsize in order to achieve economies of scale. However, I wonder how many CEO’s pondered how he would inform Jesus that He was being terminated while sitting in his leather chair waiting for the next set of options to exercise.
This may oversimplify the problem, however, the last time I checked not too many corporate leaders have volunteered to down-size themselves.
Here is where Christian leaders have the opportunity to make a difference. It’s truly an opening to separate themselves from the ‘grabbing hands’ mentality so prevalent in society. As it states in Luke 8:16 “No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a vessel, or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, that those who enter may see the light.” In other words, our Christian faith calls us to be a symbol of God’s love. In a world that appreciates autonomy, followers of Christ cannot maintain that anonymous posture. From social justice to gossip at the water cooler, we are called to take a stand. In imitation of Jesus, rebellion from the norm can lift us.
Through Luke, we gain understanding that we must always walk in the light. It is not possible to separate our work life from Christian teachings. To do so, would be akin to ‘cover it with a vessel.’
Our answers in leadership come from prayer, reflection, and the Bible. Christianity cannot be checked at the door or hidden under a bed.
As Luke notes, Christian leaders are to be like the ‘lamp’ – we are called to shine.