The Lord works in mysterious ways!
On Friday afternoon, arts and craft mogul David Green – the ultra-conservative billionaire founder of Oklahoma-based Hobby Lobby – announced in an editorial on God-approved Fox News that he’s giving away the company, no coupon required, and it’s all God’s fault.
Well, at least that’s what I think is happening.
In the meandering editorial, he doesn’t go into detail saying who he’s giving the company to or when it’s going to happen, but he does use the opportunity to spread the Gospel and preach about God.
Patagonia’s founder recently made news when he gave away the ownership in his company to allow the mission and purpose to remain intact. His decision, while rare, reflects the decision of other business owners like Alan Barnhart of Barnhart Crane.
I experienced a similar decision-making process with my ownership of Hobby Lobby; I chose God.
The thought process reflects a basic competition of ideas that I think every business leader should reflect upon. What is the true source of your success?
In the mid-1980s I went through a period where I’d grown proud thinking that I had the Midas touch – and I nearly lost the business. God had to show me that He was the one who granted success. The Bible says in Deuteronomy 8.18 that it’s God who gives us the power to make wealth.
In that vein, I’d encourage every leader to consider their source of truth. What is the basis upon which they make decisions? Is it just themselves, or even a leadership team?
For me, my source of truth has always been prayer and the Bible. I truly believe that if leaders pray and seek truth from the Bible that their businesses will be revolutionized.
Hey, if I made billions and billions of dollars selling cheap arts & crafts, frames, and cross-wall ornaments produced in poor third-world countries, I’d probably credit and/or fear a higher power, too, but isn’t that a weak argument containing more holes than a cheap wicker basket?