Sometimes a fact of yesterday appears as something new and totally undiscovered. On other occasions the discovery of an old truth is comforting and assuring. A third response is an awareness of the information or fact’s validity and how this knowledge changes everything.
The “case” method of learning is probably the closest thing to real life experiences that one can get in a classroom. A story is captured on paper, studied, and then discussed. Rarely are there absolute black and white answers, even though common principles will come through with every class discussion. Often there are new observations each time a fresh group of people get together and openly share their observations, experiences, and insights. The topics we looked at yesterday were familiar yet new, the insights old yet the awareness in this time and place causes me to pause and reflect.
Do I realize that the same principles laid out by Jesus for responding to God are a blueprint on how to succeed in business? Am I aware of how much God intensely wants to be involved in my life? Do I understand, emotionally and factually, that God has a detailed plan and interest in my life? Am I willing to let go of everything to achieve it, to really be successful?
The business cases mirrored Israel. “Well, when Israel tried to be right with God on her own, pursuing her own self-interests, she didn’t succeed. The chosen ones of God were those who let God pursue his interest in them, and as a result, received his stamp of legitimacy.” (Romans 11.7)
I can be aware of God’s interest and the biblical view of the fundamental principles of success. Knowing this is good, my method of apply crucial. I often thing I can adapt God to my own preferred way of working. In a sense I keep trying to be God in my own life. Just like Israel and a host of others, I have not and will not succeed. Knowledge comes when I ask God to realize his full plan in me.
