What’s in the box?” I asked the leader. It is a bit of a strange question for sure. Initially, he thought the same thing. It is one that I ask on a regular basis. We each have a “box” in which only one thing can be present. It is in this “box” where we hold what we deem to be most important for us. Everything else we hold of value is secondary to what you and I hold dearly in this “box”.
Years ago I heard Bob Burford, author of ‘Half Time’, share his journey of deciding what was most important to him – deciding what was going to be in his “box”. This was in response to his coach’s challenging question as he was wrestling with his sense of purpose heading into the 2nd half of his life.
As Christ-following business leaders, there is nothing more important than deciding “what’s in the box”. Your answer to this question will determine the direction of your life, your business, your personal engagement with family and community.
Like the old saying goes….
So, what are you aiming for? If someone asked you what’s in your “box”, or what’s the purpose of your life, how would you answer? Could you answer?
In John 17:4 NLT Jesus gives us a very clear window as to what His purpose was while here on earth.
As Christ-following men and women, is our purpose (likely expressed in more “every day” language that works for you and others) not the same? Is it not to bring glory to Him in all that we say and do – at work and at home?
John Piper, in ‘Desiring God’, echoes this reality for us. Quoting the Westminster Catechism he says…
The rich young ruler struggled with Jesus’ invitation to embrace this reality. I suspect that we all have struggled with it too. Mark 10:17-31 NLT. Jesus invited him to replace his “box”, filled with the passion for riches and wealth, with the reality of His Kingdom and all that it represented. You may know the outcome – he decided to keep his riches and forgo participating in what God had for him.
It is impossible to lead yourself, your family and your business well and not deal with the question of what’s in your “box”? As I have, and need to do on a regular basis, I suggest that if you claim Christ as your Lord, you must do the same.
So what’s in your “box”? Is it:
- A successful business…
- The need for people to like you, to have their approval for life, family, business well run…
- The security of money, cash-flow, healthy P&L, a burgeoning balance sheet…
- Other….
To claim to be “Christian” and not have Christ deeply inform your sense of purpose is a massive disconnect. This profound lack of alignment is at the core of much of the conflict and anxiety many of us experience.
Clarity of purpose provides you a framework against which you can evaluate what you see as being most important for you.
How clear is your purpose?
A Deliberate Application:
- What’s in your “box”? What’s your purpose?
- Ask God to help you see what you have been showing to Him, others and to yourself……. about what your purpose is?
- Is it aligned with the reality of John 17:4?
- What would your friends and family say?
- Who will you share this with?
