We can all get stuck in the silos of our work and miss out on how the world is changing around us. Although we believe we are thinking and acting broadly, we often act in a narrow parochial manner, influenced by our personal perceptions and the people we hang with. For instance, the Christian leader who has to make decisions in a decidedly secular institution approaches those decisions much differently than the Christian leader within a Faith based organization, surrounded by people with a decidedly Christian world view. The environment we live and work in shapes us and informs us. If all of our colleagues are just like us politically and agree with our sectarian views we will think and act within that narrow understanding of life. We can develop a view that everyone outside those bounds with different influences are just plain wrong. However, if our colleagues and those we engage are shaped by different influences  than ours and are indifferent or even opposed to our Christian world view we will think and act in a different way. This is the challenge of the Christian leader… To stay centered in Jesus Christ, founded on the Apostles and Prophets, living in the Scriptures, yet moving in a secular world as an agent of God’s love and grace. Jesus said it, “Wise as serpents, harmless as doves.”

At C3 Leaders we believe the culture, commerce, and community where we live and work are vital to understand. If we are to be Christ’s change agents in these arenas, we must think well and act wisely. Some of the most admired heroes of the Old Testament were godly leaders living in a culture that was foreign to them and clearly outside their native context. Daniel dealt with a culture clearly at odds with his faith as did Joseph. Both men miraculously rose to power through stormy challenges. Daniel and Joseph were full of wisdom and grace in opposing cultures. Is your life and view in a silo or are you thinking well and acting wisely?

Jon Sharpe–C3 Leaders