Weekly Impact is written for leaders by our former Executive Director, Garth Jestley, who has decades of experience in senior leadership roles in the financial services sector. Each week he will share insights on life, leadership and faith.
In business, one avoids evidence of problems at one’s peril. Notwithstanding, history is replete with examples of marketplace leaders who ignored many flashing red lights warning of extreme danger just around the corner. As a result, many companies get into serious trouble.
One of the most famous examples in recent history was the Great Recession that commenced in 2008 with the meltdown of the subprime mortgage market. Interestingly, one would be hard pressed to find any marketplace professional in the months leading up to the meltdown who did not see it coming! In essence, they discerned the truth but chose to assume (hope) they would escape the consequences. As a result, most took no action until it was too late.
I am reminded of the American game show, “Truth or Consequences,” that appeared on television from the 1950s through the 1980s. While intended as comedic entertainment, the name of this show succinctly (and ironically) captured a major truth: “truth or consequences” implies that avoiding the truth has consequences.
Each of us has a worldview or lens through which we interpret life including our own purpose and destiny. This worldview is our truth even if we have never articulated it or thought of it that way. For example, according to a survey conducted several years ago, a majority of Canadians believe they are going to heaven because they are (in their own eyes) good people. This belief is part of their worldview.
My worldview is based upon Jesus Christ – his example, his teachings and, above all, his saving work on behalf of me and all humankind. In sharp contrast with the aforementioned view, I believe I will enjoy eternity in God’s presence based solely on my faith in Jesus Christ and not my own goodness. From a logical perspective, both worldviews can be false. Both can’t be true.
All of us knowingly or unknowingly bet our entire life on the truth of our worldview. Functionally, we are assuming the probability is 100% that it is true or, if not, the adverse consequences of adopting our worldview are immaterial. However, unlike the game show, the consequences of one’s worldview are eternal assuming life after death (a belief held by most Canadians).
According to the Bible, Jesus said, “… the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth.” (John 18:37) He also made the following astounding claim, “…I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6). In these verses, Jesus says he is not only completely truthful but that he is the embodiment of truth.
From much investigation, I have concluded that my worldview based on Jesus is true. In addition, I have experienced the positive consequences of following Jesus in both my professional and personal life.
How certain are you that your worldview is true? I encourage you to test drive a LeaderImpact group to explore this question.
Garth Jestley is a husband, father, grandfather, leader and business executive. Most importantly, he is a follower of Jesus Christ.