Take a moment to consider the CEO who desires to expand one of his divisions, into a new territory. He calls the Division Head into his office to offer him this tremendous assignment. The CEO commits to do everything in his power to assist his Division Head, including an impressive investment in the venture.
Three months pass by; and it is time for a status of the project. The Division Head sheepishly enters the CEOs office.
“So how’s the project going?”, asks the CEO.
“Okay, I guess”, is the Division Head’s response.
“Okay? What do you mean, okay? Where is your status report?” The CEO is getting a bit agitated.
“I don’t have one. To be honest, I haven’t started the project.”
Quickly moving from agitated to angry, the CEO asks, “What have you done with the investment I made? Where has all the money gone?”
“I decided to pour it into the projects we already had going.”
Let’s stop there for a few questions: If you were the CEO, how long would this guy maintain his employment with your company? Would it matter if he told you he was distracted at that first meeting – that he was not really sure what you wanted him to do? Would that, or any, excuse change your mind about firing him on the spot?
As crazy as this story seems, it is being played out every day all across the kingdom of God. Don’t think so? Then let me ask, who is your CEO? How are you doing with His plans for expansion? What must He be thinking about those He has positioned as His “Division Heads” in the Marketplace?
The answer to that last question is covered quite well in Scripture. Let’s take a look at two passages.
Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.
But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall. Matthew 7:24-27
Could you use some extra wisdom in your kingdom assignment? How about a little more assurance that your “division” will stand during the next storm? And whatever “great was its fall” mean, I hope and pray you are not aspiring for that!! Or course you’re not, right?
As with the CEO in our story, God has committed to give you everything you need to accomplish His plans for your “division”. The next big question is: What are you doing with it? Jesus spoke to this in the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30). His words for the one who buried his talent in the ground are sobering indeed:
And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth (v. 30). So, I have to ask, are you burying the investment God has made in you? In light of the consequences, let me suggest you make other plans.
Marketplace Ministry Tip: God has made our responsibility for success in His kingdom quite simple. Listen to what He says, choose to do it and trust Him for the results. Really, how hard is it to start a Bible Study? Or invite your employees on a mission trip, to repair a widow’s home, or to prayer walk a school? Don’t be deceived by your own excuses.
Humbly yours and forever His,
