He That Watereth

If you are constantly clueless and lack the perspective needed to figure out what needs to be done, it could be an indication that you have skipped the apprenticeship stage of life. It’s a common mistake to dive headfirst into our dreams without first acquiring the necessary skills to make them a reality. You may be expending all of your energy on making things happen, with little to show for it. This is due to the fact that you have never seen the inner workings of a visionary leader who achieves success through faith, love, and perseverance.

Consider the biblical story of Elisha, who willingly closed his business to follow the prophet Elijah. Elijah did not force Elisha to follow him; Elisha chose to do so. He thus embarked on a transformative journey. Elisha the farmer was transformed into Elisha the apprentice prophet, learning critical lessons along the way. Many of us want to follow our dreams but lack the necessary skills and experience to do so. These abilities are best developed through an arrangement in which you work wholeheartedly for another person. You must observe how a superior mind navigates the storms of life.

Like Elisha, consider whether taking a step back to learn and serve under a mentor might be the key. It makes sense to postpone starting your own business for three years while you work one-on-one with someone else. Three years of service to gain the wisdom needed to keep your company running for the next thirty years. It may imply closing your business, ministry, or nonprofit in order to gain firsthand experience from someone who has mastered the art of making dreams come true. This is a unique opportunity to witness a visionary leader in action and absorb their competence.

In Robert Greene’s insightful book “MASTERY,” he concludes that the path to mastery often begins with apprenticeship. It’s a period where you serve under another person, gaining valuable experience, honing your leadership skills, and establishing credibility. This timeless principle is echoed in sacred texts like Luke 16, which states, “And if you have not been faithful in that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own?” (Luke 16:12 ESV). This passage illustrates the importance of serving under someone before embarking on your own journey to build something remarkable.

One shining example of this principle in action is the relationship between Benjamin Graham and Warren Buffett. Benjamin Graham, a renowned economist and investor, was Buffett’s professor at Columbia University. After graduation, Buffett worked for Graham’s company, Graham-Newman Corporation, where he continued to absorb knowledge and wisdom. Graham is widely known as the father of “value investing”, something he imparted unto his disciple. This apprenticeship was pivotal in shaping Buffett’s investment philosophy, which would later lead to his incredible success as one of the world’s most celebrated billionaire business magnate, investor, and philanthropist.

Warren Buffett’s story demonstrates that apprenticeship is more than just an academic concept; it is a practical approach to achieving economic might and greatness. It’s a journey that can take you from the classroom to the boardroom, where you’ll be able to observe a master at work. While the apprentice stage isn’t always glamorous, it does provide a unique opportunity to observe, learn, and internalize the knowledge of those who have already mastered their craft. As you consider your own path, keep in mind that serving under someone else’s vision can be the first step towards realizing your own.

You can do your best work that glorifies God without starting your own company or organization. Working for someone else is not a sign of mediocrity, underachievement, or denigration. Oluwatosin, a driven young professional, felt a deep calling to make a difference in the world. She dreamt of leading a mission-driven organization that would address pressing social issues. Oluwatosin’s journey began not in founding her own nonprofit, but by joining a well-established humanitarian agency known for its commitment to positive change. Through hard work, dedication, and unwavering passion, she climbed the ranks, ultimately becoming a key decision-maker within the organization.

Similarly, the Bible offers a timeless tale of Joseph, a man who, though initially a foreigner in Egypt, became a pivotal figure in the country’s leadership. Joseph’s journey didn’t involve establishing a new organization but rather utilizing his God-given gifts and interpreting dreams to serve Egypt during a time of crisis. His story underscores the principle that impactful missions can be fulfilled from within existing systems. These narratives teach us that sometimes our mission starts by serving another’s vision. By doing so, we gain valuable experience, hone our leadership skills, and establish credibility within the organization.

As you watch your world, remember that you don’t always need to start from scratch. Seek out opportunities where your values align, invest your talents, and, over time, your influence will grow. Whether in the corporate world or the nonprofit sector, you can make a lasting impact without necessarily founding a new organization. Joseph, David, Daniel all served the purpose of God in their generation, and they did not start any new organization. The key is to stay faithful to your mission, lead with integrity, and embrace the path that allows you to effect positive change, even from within the existing structures of the world.

It is important to recognise that we do not always need to start new organizations from scratch in order to fulfill our life’s mission and make a meaningful impact. You are better off finding a place with the kind of leadership and mission that you are interested in. The most practical way to start your mission is to look into a career in that field. You will gradually develop the leadership skills and mission-sense to champion new missions in that space. Remember the words of Christ, “And if you have not been faithful in that which is another man’s, who shall give you that which is your own?” (Luke 16:12)

There are often companies and institutions whose values are very similar to our own. In your career, look for these opportunities. Working within such organizations allows you to magnify your impact and use their existing resources for good. A successful corporate career can be a powerful tool for achieving your goals. Consider how you can use your skills and expertise to make a difference in your organization. And your company will be in a better position to make a difference in the world. If you can’t imagine working for someone else to achieve God’s purpose, there’s something wrong with your soul.

There is a long list of people who did God’s will in their generation without establishing a new organization. When you are more concerned with doing your own thing and making a name for yourself than with finding the best way to effect change, you have succumbed to pride. What you truly require is a visionary leader who empowers and mentors you to do your best work. Every day, ask yourself, “Are we working on something that matters to the world in this place?” and “Does this organization empower me to do my best?” You can make a lasting impact without necessarily starting a new organization.

God parted the red sea for Moses and the children of Israel. For Joshua and his compatriots, he tore down the walls of Jericho. Over the last century, scientists, engineers, inventors, entrepreneurs, and leaders at all levels have acknowledged God’s grace in their outstanding achievements. The ability of God to empower ordinary people to do extraordinary things is unquestionable. The point of contention is our ability to work with God to achieve success. You have to open your spiritual eyes to the vast possibilities available to you by faith. There are mountains to move, and fires to put out.

You need to stop being reasonable about the things you want to do with your life. Shut down your natural reasoning and tap into a higher mode of reason that is powered by faith in God. Consider the story of George Washington Carver, a brilliant scientist and devout Christian. He devoted his life to studying and teaching others about agriculture. Carver’s faith fueled his dedication to solving agricultural challenges. Through prayer and scientific inquiry, he discovered hundreds of uses for the peanut, sweet potato, and soybean, transforming the agricultural landscape of the American South. His work was a testament to the power of faith-driven determination.

The key is to recognise that with faith, we become co-laborers with God, rather than relying solely on our own abilities. You go from reason to faith, then back to reason within the context of faith. For every vision God seeds in your heart, you will still need to prayerfully think it through. Like Mary, you have to wonder “how can these things become a reality”? Making time to pray, think, meditate, and plan around the divine ideas in your heart will bring you closer to achieving what seemed impossible before.

The biblical character Lot is associated with the tragic story of Sodom and Gomorrah’s destruction. Lot was the righteous Abraham’s nephew. He chose to live apart from Abraham in the sinful cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, which led to his tragic downfall. Lot’s life is filled with examples of the consequences of greed and the negative influence of a sinful environment. Lot’s problems can all be traced back to his decision to leave Abraham. Relationships, particularly apprenticeships and mentorships, cannot be approached casually. Breaking off certain relationships could have disastrous consequences.

Alfred Blalock, a highly original scientific thinker, and his research assistant, Vivien Thomas, have inspired stories, books, and at least one film. Vivien Thomas overcame poverty and racism to become a cardiac surgery pioneer and a surgical technique instructor to many prominent surgeons in his days. He accomplished all of this despite having no formal postsecondary education. When his life savings were wiped out by the turbulent economy, Thomas was forced to abandon his plans to attend university and commit himself to working for Dr. Blalock. Working for the man provided him with the equivalent of advanced degrees, resources, and opportunities to do his best work that glorified God.

We need to reflect and think about the apprenticeships and mentorships in our lives in order to clarify the endgame. You don’t want to be another Lot who falls out of a divine relationship. Lot knew God, but he chose to live among people who would lead his family into sin and complacency simply because he believed Sodom would be more economically advantageous to him. There was no way Vivien Thomas would have had a chance to do the great and mighty things he did, if he didn’t commit to Alfred Blalock for the long term. Approach apprenticeships with discernment.

In professional sports, few things are as fleeting as the adoration of fans. The same supporters who cheer your name can, in an instant, become the harshest critics when the game doesn’t go their way. Victor Osimhen, the prolific Nigerian striker, was recently confronted with this harsh reality. His missed penalty for Napoli was met with public mockery rather than empathy. A video was posted on the official Napoli TikTok account that appeared to mock Osimhen for missing a penalty in the club’s previous match. The video showed Osimhen appealing for a penalty, with the caption “gimme penalty please” before showing him blazing the spot-kick wide.

The video was widely criticized, with many accusing Napoli of disrespecting their own player. Napoli later deleted the video and released a statement claiming that they never intended to offend the player. 1 Corinthians 4:12-13 reminds us of the resilience needed in such moments: “We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer kindly.” Osimhen’s response to this ordeal has been marked by resilience and grace. He went on to score a goal and help the team win their next match.

In our own lives, we, too, face intense scrutiny, putting our resilience and grace to the test. You may encounter times when your best efforts are met with criticism in your workplace, community, or even within your own family. In these moments, remember that human applause is fleeting, but the grace and strength found in your faith can withstand any trial. Let us, like Osimhen, choose resilience and grace in the face of adversity, knowing that our ultimate victory lies in God’s unwavering love and support. Anyone who thrives on fan applause and human approval is bound to be disappointed.

Psalm 125:3 contains a powerful depiction of the struggle that the righteous face when corruption becomes deeply ingrained in society. The verse speaks of the scepter of wickedness resting on the land allotted to the righteous. This imagery highlights a disturbing reality: even those with the best intentions can become entangled in the corrupt systems that surround them. We are all compelled to live in accordance with the course of our world (Ephesians 2:2). Anyone who lives in a community dominated by “wickedness in high places” will find it difficult to uphold the principles of righteousness and justice.

Imagine a dedicated public servant, a person of unwavering integrity, who has been entrusted with a critical role in their country’s governance. In a hypothetical world, this individual is committed to upholding justice and righteousness. However, the very system they serve is riddled with corruption, from top to bottom. Bureaucratic red tape, bribery, and embezzlement have become the norm. In the midst of the chaos, our protagonist faces a moral quandary. Should they compromise their principles in order to navigate the system effectively, achieving incremental progress from within, or should they risk isolation and ineffectiveness by standing firm on their principles?

The hypothetical scenario echoes a sobering reality: when corruption pervades the highest levels of power, even the most virtuous people can become entangled in a web of compromise. This is a call to face reality and understand the wisdom of Psalms 125:3; the righteous are forced to sin when corrupt and wicked people dominate the system. You have to take a stand against corruption at its roots, for the sake of both the righteous and the society they serve. As you watch your world, remain vigilant, advocating for transparency, accountability, and righteousness, so that the scepter of wickedness may one day be replaced by the scepter of righteousness and justice.

A business-minded Christian is a sight to behold. They have not only spiritual devotion, but also the knowledge, skills, and work ethic necessary to make a positive impact wherever they tread. This combination of faith and worldly acumen positions them as agents of change, ready to shape their world for the better. Rooted in a deep spiritual foundation, they navigate the complexities of the modern world with unwavering integrity, striving to make a positive difference. Armed with the wisdom of scripture and a heart for service, they are able to do more for the kingdom. They make better stewards.

God’s work necessitates practical knowledge and skills. The amount of knowledge and experience available limits the workings of the Spirit within a person. The Bible condemns ignorance at every turn, even going so far as to say that people perish for lack of knowledge. Revelational knowledge builds upon concepts and ideas already familiar to the soul. It is not wise to desire positive change, peace, and progress without also wanting to learn and be properly educated about how the world works. The business-minded Christian is able to do something with their five talents, and return to the master with ten talents.

The business-minded Christian understands that their mission transcends the four walls of the church; it extends to boardrooms, startups, and everyday interactions. They embody the synergy of faith and worldly acumen, exemplifying that the gospel’s transformative power can thrive in the real world. It is time to receive the understanding that you need to control businesses and economic machinery in advancement of the work of God in your generation. You must come to view your work, career or ventures not merely as profit-seeking enterprises but as instruments for social good. It is our spiritual duty to be effective stewards of God’s grace in the realm of business and beyond.

In an ideal world, access to basic necessities like food, medicine, and education would be universally available and free. However, our reality frequently falls short of this ideal. It is critical to recognise that while we strive for a better world, we must also deal with the practicalities of the one we have. To have a significant impact and spread your mission around your world, you must carefully consider how to make your missions self-sustaining. The path to widespread change calls for the development of sustainable businesses that are consistent with your biblical values and purpose. Without this mindset, your mission is stifled.

Spiritual missions will only succeed to the extent to which one understands the practical demands of life. You cannot continue to daydream about how oneday, someday, you would be able to change the world. Godwin Ehigiamusoe, the founder of the Lift Above Poverty Organisation (LAPO), understood the potential of the cooperative enterprise as a veritable tool for poverty alleviation. LAPO provides microloans to impoverished individuals, particularly women, to help them start small businesses. This real-life example showcases how a social mission can lead to both social impact and sustainability.

Godwin Ehigiamusoe began in a simple and practical manner, taking N300 and giving N100 to three women in his local church. They reimbursed him, allowing him to re-use the funds to “lift up others.” As you watch your world, keep in mind that you are attempting to lead a life of love and purpose in a corrupt and greedy world. We do not live in a perfect world where everything is perfect. We must prioritize establishing a formidable economic presence. You will drive your spiritual mission to your heart’s content through businesses and economic machinery you control.