Getting Started
Seek First the Kingdom (Matthew 10:7-10)
The problem for some of us with establishing priorities is not that we have too few but that we have too many. But verses 8-10 clarify which one should be at the top of any extensive list: “Freely you have received, freely give…for the worker is worth his keep.” Bill Pollard, CEO of ServiceMaster, explains how he came to understand this principle as he applied it to his work and his life.
As I talked with Peter [Bruckner] about the changes ahead of us and the possibilities of adding some new lines of service, he responded by giving me a history lesson on the use of the word “priority.” It came into the English language in the fourteenth century and it wasn’t until the twentieth century that it was pluralized. “Remember, Bill,” he said, “it’s not a question of priorities for business; it’s simply finding the priority and doing it. Your priority at ServiceMaster is providing dignity for the worker and income for the shareholder, all through improved productivity. Make sure you know how and where this is going to happen in a new service line or don’t add it.”
He was right on defining the task before me. That night in my hotel room, as I was reading my Bible and reflecting on our discussion, I asked myself, “What is my priority in life?”
I concluded that, as a Christian, my priority was clear. Jesus laid it out in the Sermon on the Mount when he said, “Seek first [God’s] kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be [given] to you.” I also realized that later in his ministry, Jesus made it clear that those who would follow him would not possess their lives as owner; God was the owner and they were the trustees. As a follower of Jesus, I have been given the choice of how to invest my life, and God, as owner, expects a return. He expects me to be a faithful and productive steward of the talents and resources that have been entrusted to me (see Matthew 25:14-30).
How do I, as a business person, fulfill this priority of living a productive life for Jesus? It can only happen as I am able to integrate the claims of my faith with the demands of my work. I cannot leave my faith on the doorstep of my work. Nor can I or should I use my position to impose my faith on others.
My prayer is that the people of the firm, our shareholders, and our customers will see in my words and actions the reality of Christ in me, a leader who serves and cares and who is focused on results…
In other areas of life I am accountable to my family and my church. They must see the integration of my faith with what I say, and more important with what I do. For me, this is the priority of a productive life (NIV Stewardship Study Bible, 2009, p. 1248).
What is your priority in life? All too often, we have so many goals and objectives that we cannot focus on achieving any of them. Starting a graduate business degree represents a major commitment of both time and money. How will you manage the conflict between home, work, school, and God? Time management first begins by setting priorities, and our first priority should be to God.
References
NIV Stewardship Study Bible. (2009). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
Upon successful completion of the module material, you will be able to:
Evaluate the priorities of your life.
Develop an appreciation of stewardship, a life purpose statement and a lifelong personal development plan.
Resources
Bible (New International Version)
Web page: Reduce Stress in 100 Different Ways
Background Information
You are now enrolled in a graduate program. You may have been out of school for several years; this is not uncommon, and you will find that many of your classmates are in the same situation. In addition, you may have many other responsibilities that will continue while adding this new role of student. Meeting the conflicting priorities in your life will require time management skills. There are many successful strategies that should be considered in organizing your calendar and improving your time management skills.
Instructions
Review the rubric to make sure you understand the criteria for earning your grade.
- Read Matthew, Chapter 10, verses 710 on biblegateway.com or in your Bible. Then read the Seek First the Kingdom in the Getting Started section above.
- After reading, consider the following questions taken from “Seek First the Kingdom”:
Whether you work in your home or out of your home in a business setting, you are an example to others. What would others say is your priority in life?
Who has been a mentor to you to keep you focused on what is really important?
What is your priority?
Read the web article Reduce Stress in 100 Different Ways.
Reflect on your own concerns about managing the additional role of student in your life. Post in the discussion forum your answers to these questions:
- List three of your key issues as you return to school.
- List three possible solutions to your key issues based on personal experience and the article listed in the resources section of this assignment.
Develop and present a short plan on how you can successfully return to school and still continue to function in all your required roles in your work and your home.
