goforwardinfaith Christianity, Faith-Based Business, Religion, Theology

Rest is Not Idleness

By Linda Tancs

As you run about your day like the Energizer Bunny on steroids trying to juggle life and work, remember that the human body is not designed to run 24/7. It’s essential to have balance in work and life, which is all the more trying these days—especially for employees who are so often asked to do more with less. And add to that the vague notion that rest is idleness and you end up with needless stress and anxiety.

What does the Bible say about rest? You don’t have to read far to get an answer. God established the principle by resting on the seventh day following creation (Genesis 2:2). Exodus 33:14 reminds us that when we place our trust in God, He will give us rest. Jesus reminded his followers of the same thing in Matthew 11:28. Why is rest such an important biblical concept? Because it engenders faith, which allows us room to focus on aligning ourselves with God’s mission for our lives. And that creates peace.

Rest is a biblical weapon to combat stress and anxiety. So how do you incorporate a sense of balance? First, you need to determine the value you place on every aspect of your life: work, emotional growth, friends, family, hobbies, health and fitness, finances, intellectual growth, spirituality and so on. Rate each aspect on a scale from 1 to 10 (10 being the highest value). A sense of imbalance often evolves from a feeling that one’s values are out of sync with daily living. How much do you incorporate your highest rated value(s) into the life you’re living? Next, determine the resources you need to close the gap between your highest values ratings and the space that any such activity actually occupies in your life. Are you lacking a “team” resource—a supportive partner, an extra hand at work, an au pair, a counselor, etc.? Or perhaps you need more material resources like a daily planner, better technology, or training materials, to name a few. Once you’ve determined the resources you need, sit down and write out an action plan to optimize those resources. List each resource and your goal with respect to acquiring or optimizing it. Determine a realistic timeline for each goal. Finally, consider how you’ll know whether the goal has been achieved. What will success look like? Revisit your plan often to gauge how your values jibe with your current life circumstances.

goforwardinfaith Christianity, Faith-Based Business, Religion, Theology

What a Movie Teaches About Management Skills

By Linda Tancs

In the movie The Blind Side, Sandra Bullock’s character admonishes the coach, “You ought to get to know your players.” She was referring to the coach’s lack of recognition that one of his players tested in the 98th percentile for protective instincts, a key trait for someone acting in the role of an offensive tackle on the football field. In business, it’s equally as important to know how your team members learn so that you can lead them more effectively towards optimal performance. Individuals process information predominately in one of three ways: visually, in an auditory manner, or in a kinesthetic manner. Studies indicate that 90% of the population is oriented towards visual learning. Visual learners are aided by charts, pictures and written directions. Some research shows that those with a visual orientation tend to speak rapidly and use phrases such as “Do you see?” or “Get the picture?” when interacting with others. Those with an auditory orientation have been found to have a melodious quality to their voice and are apt to use phrases such as “Ring a bell?” or “Do you hear what I’m saying?” An auditory learner excels with verbal transmissions of information and instructions. Those with a kinesthetic orientation, on the other hand, process information more readily in a hands-on approach. Tactile learners have been found to favor phrases like “What’s your gut feeling?” or “Get a grip” and tend to speak slowly.

Knowing whether your team members function best by seeing, hearing or doing is a good first step in partnering with them to maximize their potential. Of course, it also enriches your own storehouse of wisdom and understanding, two characteristics that the Bible encourages us to cultivate. Listen and watch what others are trying to tell you. As James 1:19 (NLT) puts it, “Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” When you listen and pay attention to your colleagues you are blessing them and making them feel valued. That, in turn, increases your understanding of their needs and builds relationships by the way you interact. As Proverbs 16:21 (NLT) advises, “The wise are known for their understanding, and pleasant words are persuasive.”

goforwardinfaith Christianity, Faith-Based Business, Religion, Theology

Do You Bite Off More Than You Can Chew?

By Linda Tancs

“A man begins cutting his wisdom teeth the first time he bites off more than he can chew.” –Herb Caen, Pulitzer Prize-winning American columnist

Delegation bedevils a lot of people in business. We know we should do it but often we don’t or else fail to do it effectively. Do you bite off more than you can chew? If so, you’re in great company. Moses was terrible at delegation, remonstrated by his father-in-law for taking all the tasks of governance upon himself. Through his wise counsel he advised Moses on the finer points of delegation, exhorting Moses to share the smaller duties with others while retaining authority over bigger matters (Exodus 18:13-26).

So who’s who in your responsibility matrix? A responsible person is one (individually or as one designee of many) who bears responsibility for performing a task. Accountability relates to that person who ultimately bears the burden for the outcome of the task—the phrase “the buck stops here,” famously adopted by President Harry Truman, comes to mind. Accordingly, there can only be one accountable person per task. Consultants are those who have some input on the performance of the task. Therefore, they communicate with those who are responsible and accountable. On the other hand, informed folks are those kept in the loop on a project but not generally expected or required to offer an opinion (think of the “cc” and “bcc” folks on your letters and emails).

Delegation was well understood in the first century. After all, Jesus appointed 12 apostles and gave them power over evil spirits and power to heal every kind of disease and sickness (Matthew 10). Later, Paul reminded Timothy (in 2 Timothy 2:2) to entrust Paul’s instruction to faithful men who would then teach others—an ancient equivalent to our “train the trainer.”

Remember, you have employees, subcontractors, consultants or virtual assistants for a reason. As a British expression goes, don’t keep a dog and bark yourself.

goforwardinfaith Christianity, Faith-Based Business, Religion, Theology

Good Manners Mean Good Business

By Linda Tancs

To be well mannered is rooted in the Bible. You need look no further than the Golden Rule in Matthew 7:12 (NIV): “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you….” The Golden Rule encourages the development of conscience, the ridding of offense toward God and others (Acts 24:16).

So how well-mannered are you with your clients? Are you human—or humane? What would your best or worst client have to say about that? As the oft-used expression goes, people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. That applies to your staff as well as your clients. How often do you acknowledge those with whom you work? For instance, do you give feedback regularly? Do you care how the message is delivered—or received? Authentic communication—that which is open, direct and honest—builds trust and understanding. What kind of foundation are you building from?

goforwardinfaith Christianity, Faith-Based Business, Religion, Theology

Waiting for Success

By Linda Tancs

Jonathan Winters, the comedian and author, once said: “I couldn’t wait for success, so I went ahead without it.”

This approach is the antidote to “paralysis by analysis.” So many times I hear people say, “Failure is not an option.” This thinking is usually what leads to paralysis by analysis: analysis of all things, great and small, that could possibly go wrong with an idea, a goal, a business venture—life. What if I don’t get any business? What if don’t get any repeat business? What if I lose the lease? What if I lose my shirt? And the list goes on and on.

Fear is the driver of this kind of analysis. Until the power of fear is broken, we remain a slave to it (Romans 8:15). Fear counteracts faith, and that is why it is such a powerful tool in the arsenal of the enemy. But 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us that we have not been given a spirit of fear. What we do have is a soul (our mind, will and emotions) that hosts fear when it comes. Our best response is to deploy Psalm 118:6 (NLT): “The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?”

Waiting for success is as futile as waiting for a rainbow after every storm. As Nike’s slogan so effectively puts it, “Just do it.” What do you want? In the business universe, four concerns are generally paramount: develop clients, build revenue, build a reputation, become a leader. Which concern, if any, resonates with you? What do you need to do to get what you want? If you’re stuck, then imagine yourself a year from now having all that it is that you want. How did you get there? Work backwards. What are the goals that you met? Who did you meet with along the way? Who played a role in your success? Write it down. Build a timeline. Construct a vision board. What else can you do? God won’t drive a parked car. With His guidance, you have all the answers. Now, get busy. You needn’t wait for success. You can go ahead without it.

goforwardinfaith Christianity, Faith-Based Business, Religion, Theology

The Power of Yes

By Linda Tancs

“Don’t rain on my parade.” How many times have you thought, or muttered, that phrase (or know someone who has) when confronted with a naysaying friend, colleague, family member or significant other? The effect of naysayers on the psyche is particularly acute for entrepreneurs, many of whom leave behind the relative security of a well-paying job for the chance to experience something new. Is it a smooth transition? In many cases, no. What makes it even harder, though, are those dreaded words—“You can’t do that!”—uttered from well-intentioned family or friends determined to save you from economic ruin. Have you ever wondered why the same people who tell their children that they can do or be anything when they’ve grown up throw a wrench in someone’s works when their dream changes mid-career? In circumstances like this remember that you can do all things through Christ who is your strength (Philippians 4:13).

The Bible reminds us not to be judgmental nor to put obstacles in someone’s way (Romans 14:13). So the next time a friend, family member, significant other or even stranger confides in you a dream about trading in that management job for a microphone at a comedy club, remember the power of ‘yes, you can.’

goforwardinfaith Christianity, Religion, Theology

Managing Career Transition

By Linda Tancs

For a dream comes with much business, and a fool’s voice with many words. —Ecclesiastes 5:3

For many, that dream involves a transition from one career to another—and all the associated stress and anxiety. Can I succeed outside my comfort zone? Do I have the technical and educational skill sets to find viable employment in another capacity? How will I manage my fears and expectations and those of friends and family? Take heart. There are many things you can do to prepare for a rewarding second career. With a little God-guided introspection, you can retool your career to align with who you were created to be.

First, take stock of your skills. First Corinthians 12 reminds us that each of us has been given unique abilities to accomplish His will, such as the ability to give wise counsel, heal, speak foreign languages or possess specialized knowledge. List your own skills according to categories such as organizational talent, problem-solving prowess, managerial skill and oral and written communication abilities. Note the environments in which these skills are deployed—at home, at work, in your community. Your task, then, is to determine how your skills are related to serving God. After all, only skills used in advancing the Kingdom of God will yield a satisfying result. Is your track record more aligned with material success or service to others? As Ecclesiastes 5:10 (NIV) warns, “Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless.”

Second, consider how your career moves have impacted your life. Proverbs 20:5 (NIV) says, “The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.” Indeed, as the saying goes, you can’t know where you’re going if you don’t know where you’ve been. What are your five most significant achievements and defeats? Which actions are you willing to own on your part that brought about those successes or failures? Understanding what it is that brings about a successful result for you will give you the confidence to try new waters. Conversely, finding your weak spots will show you what needs work to avoid making the same mistakes in a different milieu. Do you need help identifying your strengths and weaknesses? Pray for guidance. Take your questions and concerns to God first, and the answer may come through a trusted friend or colleague who knows you well.

Third, build a transition plan. Putting thoughts into words and words into actions will help you manage your anxiety. How much do you know about your target occupation? Where can you go to learn more? Are there business or behavioral competencies you need to acquire to make it work? Proverbs 21:5 says that the plans of the diligent lead to profit. Think about where you see yourself in five or ten years, but remember to leave room for God to change those plans. In all likelihood, that’s why you’re in transition in the first place.

goforwardinfaith Christianity, Religion, Theology

From Nothing to Something

By Linda Tancs

How much faith would it take to move a mountain? According to Matthew 17:20, that which amounts to the size of a mustard seed will do. Given that a mustard seed ranges from approximately 0.039 to 0.079 inches in diameter, God asks very little of us in the faith department.

Our faith journey is a lot like the life cycle in the production of a mustard plant: germination, leaf development, stem elongation, inflorescence emergence, flowering, fruit development, ripening and senescence. Of course, we often get stuck at the planting stage. We doubt that germination will ever occur or, if it does, it might not be to our liking. We plant thought or word seeds that undermine our progress and impair the trust relationship we seek to have with God. Seeds need fertile soil to grow, the right conditions to manifest. It’s no accident that Jesus used a seed to make His point. And it’s more than just the concept of growth happening in a dark place. Arguably, the seed is the most powerful symbol on earth. What could be stronger than a seed? It pushes through the toughest elements—rocks, stones, piles of mulch—and yet is unthwarted in its mission to germinate.

Are you determined to nurture seeds of faith? Faith is strengthened by understanding God’s Word. Consider the parable of the sower that Matthew recounts in chapter 13. A seed sown along the path is akin to the Word of God that is not understood by the listener; it’s easily manipulated by the devil. A seed falling on rocky ground is the Word left unpracticed by the listener. It takes no root and is easily forsaken when trouble comes. A seed falling among thorns is the Word choked by worldly concerns and thus unable to bear fruit. The Word that is heard and understood is like a seed sown in fertile soil that yields a good harvest. So using our plant analogy, you’re more likely to flower and ripen if you don’t get choked by thorns. What are the thorns in your life? Do you trust God to bring you to victory?

Now back to that mustard plant. Which stage of the life cycle are you in? How did you get there? Where do you need to go next? Make it to the harvest (senescence) by renewing your mind daily with His Word.

goforwardinfaith Christianity, Religion, Theology

How To Approach Bible Reading

By Linda Tancs

The Bible is rich in precepts for daily living. So how do you go about harvesting that bounty? In the first instance, try not to focus on any particular order from which to read the Bible. Some will insist that the only appropriate way to approach biblical study is to start with Genesis and read all the way through to Revelation. Others might suggest beginning in the New Testament with John’s distinct Gospel and general orientation in the prologue (John 1:1) or with a synoptic gospel like Luke’s “orderly account” (Luke 1:3). Perhaps a better strategy is to approach the Bible with the goal of understanding its key themes, the main characters driving the narrative and the life lessons it presents. This strategy is consistent with a scholarly view that the Bible’s role is both to mediate God’s word of law and gospel and to serve as the fundamental source for shaping and maintaining Christian identity.

However, like any strategy, there are pitfalls or issues to keep in mind. First, a work such as the Bible written thousands of years ago presents obvious culture gaps—religious and social practices of Jews and early Christians that on the surface may not resonate in contemporary society. Nonetheless, history has a way of repeating itself, a fact masterfully executed by Luke in his Gospel by drawing parallels between the Old and New Testament. In this way, Luke emphasizes that God is always present—yesterday, today and forever—a key theme that drives our formation as Christians.

Likewise, biblical stories may comprise the reporting of actual events, historical fiction, parables (like 2 Samuel 12:1-6 in the Old Testament or Luke’s parables in chapter 15 in the New Testament) or an allegory like Isaiah 5:1-7. It may be tempting to get mired in identification of each account in the Bible or perhaps debate whether the account is real or historical fiction (such as occurs with the Book of Jonah). Regardless of the characterization of a biblical account, the most important point is that the truth about God and his relationship to His people can be conveyed through any type of literary device.

A third issue posed in Bible study involves translation and interpretation. As Nehemiah 8:8 (NRSV) states, “[T]hey read from the book, from the law of God, with interpretation.” Indeed, the Bible is one of the most widely translated and interpreted works of all time, beginning with its rendering from Hebrew to Aramaic, the common language. In addition to that translation, the Bible has been translated into Greek by the Jews and into Latin by Christians. Today, at least 12 common English translations exist (from the King James Version to the New Living Translation), along with scores of amplified Bibles giving additional background and definition to terms used in the Bible. Eliminate confusion arising from the different translations and versions of the Word by remembering that translation is not an exact science; the translator’s point of view is likely to shape the translation. The humanity of Scripture is that it evidences the work of fallible humans pressed into service to reveal the Word of God. Your own personal interpretation will be informed by your religious heritage, education, ethnic background, life experiences, gender and opinions.

goforwardinfaith Christianity, Faith-Based Business, Religion

Don’t Feel Stuck

By Linda Tancs

Many folks are stuck in a job they despise for any number of reasons including economic need, fear or a perceived lack of transferable skills. If you can’t change jobs, then you must change your attitude. Colossians 3:23 (NIV) is a good place to start: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” After all, your skills and abilities are a gift from God. What you do with those assets is your gift to Him. When you perform your tasks without grumbling or arguing, you shine (Philippians 2:14-15). In other words, you demonstrate for others the value in work, and your positive attitude rewards not only yourself but those around you and gives glory to God.

So how do you put biblical injunctions like these into practice? Begin by asking yourself—what worked for me? Most people enjoy a honeymoon phase in the early stages of a job. What was it that made the job enjoyable or enticing in the first place? What has changed? Often this kind of introspection brings about a realization that it’s the de-motivating aspects of the job getting you down rather than the entire job. Try to find ways to tame the more unpleasant aspects of your employment. Understand first of all that everyone has their strengths and weaknesses; don’t resort to comparisons among people who might excel at what you detest (Galatians 6:4). If you’re able, reassign tasks, collaborate or find another position or department within the company where you can make the highest and best use of the skills you do have. After all, if you’re working at your highest level of motivation and efficiency, you’ll feel empowered rather than “stuck.”