“If it seems we are crazy, it is to bring glory to God. And if we are in our right minds, it is for your benefit.” – 2 Corinthians 5:13

Every entrepreneur has heard the lines from would-be naysayers.

“You’re crazy to believe this can succeed.” “You’re crazy to quit a good job to do this.”
“You’re crazy to risk so much on this venture.”

For many risk-takers, this fuels their fire. What’s life without challenge … even if it means potentially losing nearly everything?

Yet, everyday people can be called “crazy” for very innocuous reasons – asking out a seemingly-unattainable love interest, perhaps, or buying a motorcycle or sports car they’ve long dreamt about.

The world is a timid, risk-averse place. Most people are afraid to step out. Afraid to pursue their dreams. Afraid to take chances. Afraid to share their true selves with others … for fear they’ll be judged, or maybe even called “crazy.”

Truth be told, “crazy” has conflicting identities. If someone is “crazy” about their spouse, or a new child, or even a sports team … well, isn’t this good? It means they’re passionate and dedicated, right? Who could argue with this?

Crazy Like a Christian?

“You will see hallucinations, and you will say crazy things.” – Proverbs 23:33

The other side of “crazy,” though, is decidedly unflattering. It’s associated with language such as unstable, unhinged, mad, lunatic, “off their rocker” … you get the point.

From a faith perspective, “crazy” remains a two-sided coin. Thousands of devout Christians have been called “crazy” through the centuries … often by fearful, falsely-accusing opponents who sought to imprison them, or worse.

Yet, as Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians, being crazy for God is hardly a bad thing. Christians everywhere would do well to seek to bring him glory. It’s what we’re called to do!

The passive society we live in might call us crazy for bringing God into the office, or posting about Him on social media, or using Scripture in an e-mail signature. You’ll “offend” someone. Or potentially lose business. Or maybe even be sued.

Don’t be surprised – nor intimidated. The world around us doesn’t share a passion to glorify God, and spread His Word. It doesn’t grasp that people of faith share a bond with Christ that is in this world, yet not of this world. Our devotion transcends any earthly measure.

Is it “Crazy” to Save Others?

“The light disturbs the wicked and stops the arm that is raised in violence.” – Job 38:15

We should live for God, and talk about God … even if others call us crazy (or worse). Why? We never know who might hear us, or see us, at a pivotal moment.

Consider the violence in our society. Look at those who go on shooting sprees at schools and businesses. These people don’t know God. What might be prevented if they were exposed to Him – and embraced Him – at a dark point, where their lives could still go in another direction? Might a single “crazy” Christian make a difference?

Those who believe we’re delusional to seek to “Cover the World in Christ” can do so. Let them.

We know that God’s great love can overcome huge obstacles. We’ve experienced it in our own lives. Let us never allow our faith to waver, regardless of how we’re labelled.

Will you be a crazy Christian? Ready to go nuts for Christ? Let’s do it. If others don’t join in, or even fight us, we’ll pray for their sanity.

(If you’re ready to embrace Christ, He’s ready for you. Visit C Suite for Christ to join in Christ-centered fellowship with other professionals. Submit a prayer request for a pressing need in your life. Follow C Suite for Christ on LinkedIn and Facebook. Questions? Contact Paul M. Neuberger at (414) 313-8338 or pneuberger@csuiteforchrist.com.)

“And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, la’ma sabach-tha’ni?” that is, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” – Matthew 27:46

As a little kid, were you ever scared when Mom or Dad tucked you in bed, kissed you goodnight and turned off the light?

Suddenly you were all alone. The darkness closed in. No telling what (or who’s) under the bed, or in the closet, or ready to crawl through the window. Worst of all, you can’t see them because … it’s dark!

By now, the tables have probably turned. You’re the one walking out of your kids’ rooms, turning out the lights. They might scream. Or cry. Or worse. They feel scared … alone … abandoned in the darkness … just like you did, decades ago.

It’s so hard not to rush in and comfort them. Yet you don’t. They need to outgrow their fear of the dark. Time does so, eventually. It’s part of growing up.

Even as adults, though, we have times where we feel like the little kid in the dark again – scared, lonely, and thinking we just don’t matter. Except, we’re not worried about something under the bed. No, the source of our fear might be on a spreadsheet, or a bank statement, or a medical diagnosis.

In these moments of crisis, it’s easy to feel like everyone, including God, has abandoned us. Even Jesus, in his last moments on the cross, beseeched God not to forsake him. The feeling isn’t limited to mere mortals.

Plunged Into Darkness

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish?” – Psalms 22:1

If we trust in God, we believe that He does things for us, not to us. Every occurrence in life has a purpose. Events happen for a reason. We might not see the “why” right away. Eventually, we do … though it might take years.

Whether we sense it or not, God is always right outside the door. The question is: Why?

Are we not letting Him into our lives? Have we gotten cocky or overly self-assured? Have we convinced ourselves that everything’s under control, and we can handle any curveball thrown our way? In other words … have we strayed?

This is usually when the lights go out. Something happens. We find ourselves in a dark place. The feelings, and fear, that we haven’t felt in decades returns. Everyone is gone. We’re alone … and it’s really, really scary.

Let in the Light

“Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.” – Psalms 9:10

We’ve all experienced these dark places … and sometimes we need to be there. Only then, when a crack in the door opens, do we see the light that was always with us. No matter how long we’ve lost sight, God’s light returns.

Maybe, upon seeing it, we realize how long we’ve been in the dark. Better late, than never. Coming out can be difficult. Our spiritual eyes have to adjust to the light, all over again. Yet we know it’s the right place to be.

We understand that God has always been with us. It’s a matter of whether we let Him in, or keep Him outside the door.

If we do the former, we see God everywhere. He’s always on our mind. We have purpose, and joy, and fulfilment.

If the latter? Well, God will just keep waiting … outside the door. We know how to open it. How long we choose to be in the dark, and stay scared, is up to us.

(If you’re ready to embrace Christ, He’s ready for you. Visit C Suite for Christ to join in Christ-centered fellowship with other professionals. Submit a prayer request for a pressing need in your life. Follow C Suite for Christ on LinkedIn and Facebook. Questions? Contact Paul M. Neuberger at (414) 313-8338 or pneuberger@csuiteforchrist.com.)

Image courtesy of Village Missions.

“I cry out to God Most High, to God who will fulfill his purpose for me.” – Psalm 57:2

Most everyone has at least a few tools. Some have wildly impressive collections, covering walls in their garages, or filling multiple drawer levels in wheeled cabinets.

Professionals such as carpenters, plumbers and auto mechanics boast tool kits with highly-specialized implements, some of which the average person would have little idea how to use. They put them to work repairing intricate problems, or creating structures where none stood before.

Most homeowners have a toolbox of some sort, with essentials needed for basic household tasks and repairs. Each tool has a purpose. A pliers serves a different need from a screwdriver, which serves a different need from a wrench, which serves a different need from a hammer.

These tools, wherever stored, are always ready for use. We can grab a few for a specific need, or the whole box if several are required.

Are You Ready to be Used?

“You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name.” – John 15:16

Have you ever considered yourself as a tool of God? Indeed, as John wrote, God chose us to accomplish his will and purposes on earth. We are His instruments.

It’s important to reiterate who chose whom, as well. We are entrusted to do God’s bidding, not the other way around. Follow His guidance, and we bear fruit.

Just like the many different types of tools, God seeks to achieve different things through different people. We can’t know our exact purpose. We have to trust His will. For, as Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 2:4, “Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts.”

Thus, we are expected to follow the path that God lays before us, without fighting or resisting. We are but broken, humbled beings. He is God! Do we somehow believe that we know better?

His Purposes are Rightful Ones

“What sorrow awaits those who argue with their Creator. Does a clay pot argue with its maker? Does the clay dispute with the one who shapes it, saying, ‘Stop, you’re doing it wrong!’ Does the pot exclaim, ‘How clumsy can you be?” – Isaiah 45:9

God created us as tools for His holy purposes. We are perfectly created for His tasks.

When we accept this commission, and surrender to God’s preordaining for us, life improves. We feel peace. We find meaning. We experience joy in new ways, and in new places. We see the world through an entirely different lens.

We are the Heavenly Father’s tools. He will use us in good ways, to repair humanity’s fractures and construct new houses to praise His name. Jesus was a carpenter, after all. Let us never stop partnering with him to build the holy kingdom on earth, ever higher and ever brighter.

(If you’re ready to embrace Christ, He’s ready for you. Visit C Suite for Christ to join in Christ-centered fellowship with other professionals. Submit a prayer request for a pressing need in your life. Participate in a virtual prayer session to ask God to be with those who have submitted requests. Follow C Suite for Christ on LinkedIn and Facebook. Questions? Contact Paul M. Neuberger at (414) 313-8338 or pneuberger@csuiteforchrist.com.)

“And this is the manner of the release: Every creditor shall release what he has lent to his neighbor. He shall not exact it of his neighbor, his brother, because the Lord’s release has been proclaimed.” – Deuteronomy 15:2

Debt can be crushing. The accumulated debt from credit cards, a mortgage, a car or two, student loans, maybe a line of credit … it can all feel like a 500-pound weight on one’s shoulders. Do we ever escape this burden?

The average American is more than $50,000 in debt. Financial hardship can make people up to 20 times more likely to commit suicide. Debt is increasingly realized as a catalyst for depression.

This doesn’t even take into account our national debt of more than $30 trillion, brought on by profligate government spending. Too much has been promised to too many, by irresponsible “leaders” who know they won’t be left holding the bag.

Will future generations really be better off? Or will our mountain of money owed, become an avalanche that buries their dreams?

Whom Do You Really Owe?

“Be not one of those who give pledges, who put up security for debt.” – Proverbs 22:26

Here’s the good news: Personal debt can be cleaned up. It takes a lot of discipline, and sacrifice, and often a strong dose of humility. Fixing the balance sheet is possible, though.

Have you ever considered your debt in the spiritual realm, which is far more important than earthly nickels and dimes?

We are all inherently broken souls. We want to do good, yet continuously slip up. Sins of the flesh, especially, can be hard-to-resist wrongful acts. Look no further than King David and Bathsheba, told in both 2 Samuel and 1 Kings.

Our sins of thought, word and deed add up to significant faith debt. Those chits on the wrong side of the ledger just keep growing. The weight gets heavier and heavier. It’s easy to feel hopeless about the burden, and inevitably doomed to hell.

So, are we?

A Debt Resolved – and Forgiven

“A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more? Simon answered, ‘The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt.’ And he said to him, ‘You have judged rightly.’” – Luke 7:41-43

Whether you’re the larger debtor or the smaller one – and who among us really knows? – good news awaits.

God has forgiven us. Christ died a ghastly, brutal death to release us from our sins. Our debt has been paid in full. Our balance sheets are clean.

Consider the redeeming words of Colossians 2:13-14: “And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by cancelling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.”

OK, let out the big “WHEW!” Wipe the sweat off the forehead. Shake the tension from the neck and shoulders. This should be the pinpoint definition of “relief.”

Now, some questions: What will you do with this newfound freedom? How will you reach the full potential that God has granted you?

How will you show God your appreciation? Are you willing to tell others about His amazing, all-forgiving “debt elimination service?”

It’s up to you. You’ve been granted a reprieve from the trouble (and searing heat) that surely awaited down the road. We’re all free, thanks to Jesus.

It’s the ultimate “weight off our back” … as well as the ultimate gift we’ll ever receive.

(If you’re ready to embrace Christ, He’s ready for you. Visit C Suite for Christ to join in Christ-centered fellowship with other professionals. Submit a prayer request for a pressing need in your life. Participate in a virtual prayer session to ask God to be with those who have submitted requests. Follow C Suite for Christ on LinkedIn and Facebook. Questions? Contact Paul M. Neuberger at (414) 313-8338 or pneuberger@csuiteforchrist.com.)

“For we also have had the good news proclaimed to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed.” – Hebrews 4:2

Pets are wonderful. They might be among God’s humblest creatures, yet bring immense joy to our lives.

They’re great for kids. Pets teach responsibility and nurturing. How many of us have fond memories of a favorite dog, cat or other furry friend from our youth?

These beloved animals don’t come with instruction manuals. Children, especially, have to be taught how to take care of pets. Feeding, grooming, cleaning up … all are tasks that must be taught, and fully embraced. As much as we love them, these animals can’t do so themselves!

Similarly, as we grow up and enter the professional world, we learn and refine a host of new skills. Many young people are fortunate to be guided by a mentor, someone who has lots of experience in a field. They impart their wisdom to shape and improve the younger counterpart. Many do so in hopes the person will mentor someone else, later in their career.

Are you ready to be a mentor? Are you ready to teach a subject about which others might have zero knowledge … or even a predisposition against?

We all have a heavenly calling to proclaim our love of God, and following of Christ’s teachings. This passion begs to be shared with an immense, not-always-welcoming audience: the section of society that doesn’t know God, and sees no reason to do so. Why would they, having never been taught?

Reaching the Unreached

“It is the Lord your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him.” – Deuteronomy 13:4

Research shows overwhelmingly that church membership, and even affiliation with faith, has dropped dramatically in recent decades. More and more people aren’t being raised in faith … or, perhaps worse yet, have walked away from God.

Popular culture has overwhelmingly supported this trend. Hollywood demeans and ridicules Christ’s disciples at every turn. The rise of “cancel culture” threatens
public flagellation for anyone who dares to speak of faith in God. Momentum has clearly shifted away from religion being a bedrock, widely-accepted element of life in America.

Thus, millions upon millions out there have no inkling of the all-consuming power of God’s love. Who’s to blame?

We all are, to some degree. Christians are notoriously quiet, not wanting to ruffle feathers or “offend” someone with talk of faith. This, despite the beseeching of Romans 10:14: “But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?”

Scripture instructs us repeatedly to share the Good News with non-believers. It’s rarely easy, and goes against the oft-reticent nature of Christians. Yet how many lives could be positively changed, and existences made more fulfilled, if we just spoke up?

Getting the (God’s) Word Out There

“My tongue will proclaim your righteousness, your praises all day long.” – Psalms 35:28

We need to talk about God. Otherwise, nothing will change. Here are a few suggestions to “get the conversation started”:

• Share faith-based content on social media – Bible verses or prayer requests, for example. If nothing else, like or share others’ similar posts.
• Pray in public, such as at a restaurant before a meal. Let others see you living out your faith.
• Drop faith-based language into everyday conversation. Swap “amen” for “I agree.” Try “I’m blessed” for “I’m lucky.” Switch “I pray you are …” for “I hope you are …”
• Invite others to faith-oriented events – church, prayer group … or even a C-Suite for Christ meeting!
• Wear apparel that proclaims your faith – maybe from the C-Suite for Christ Swag Store?

It’s up to us to tell others about the Word of God! No one else is going to step in.

Just like teaching a child about caring for a pet, be kind and patient. Just like a mentor instructing their mentee on the finer points of life, imbue the message with trust that it will be paid forward. Feel God’s strength as you act. You’re following His instructions, after all … and now is absolutely, certainly the time.

(If you’re ready to embrace Christ, He’s ready for you. Visit C Suite for Christ to join in Christ-centered fellowship with other professionals. Submit a prayer request for a pressing need in your life. Participate in a virtual prayer session to ask God to be with those who have submitted requests. Follow C Suite for Christ on LinkedIn and Facebook. Questions? Contact Paul M. Neuberger at (414) 313-8338 or pneuberger@csuiteforchrist.com.)

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” – 1 Peter 5:8

You’re being hunted. Were you aware?

Most people aren’t. Yet if you’re a follower of Christ, a disciple who lives to spread God’s Word, you wear a big target.

The hunter is one whom the Bible repeatedly warns about: Satan.

“Him?” you might say. “The goofy red dude with the funny horns? That guy?”

No, not really. Satan wears many disguises. You probably wouldn’t recognize him at all. He’s a master of deception. He lurks in our homes, our neighborhoods and, most of all, our hearts.

He awaits the perfect moment to pounce. The devil’s in no hurry. He has plenty of time. One moment of vulnerability, no matter how brief, is all the opening he needs.

It’s why, as Peter warns, we need to be alert. God will protect us. We should follow His path, and not stray. To quote Psalm 23, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.”

Fighting the Battle

“Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve.” – Luke 22:3

This is no joke. A spiritual battle is being waged daily, with dark forces pursuing God’s believers. Yet how do we recognize the enemy?

Consider the desires and behaviors the Bible condemns: lust for money. Self-promotion and aggrandizement. Sins of the flesh. These are how Satan gains a foothold in our souls. To paraphrase Ephesians 4:27, “give no opportunity to the devil.”

We can invite Satan in without even knowing. The more time one spends in sin, the more he’s attracted. Sins of the flesh, especially, draw him close.

Are you engaging in sinful activities online? Lying to loved ones about guilty desires? Considering, or dabbling in, adultery? You’re hanging out the “Welcome” sign.

Oh, there are other, less lascivious pursuits, too. Addiction to making more and more money. Craving validation from others, perhaps through endless, narcissistic
social media postings. Working too much, and ignoring one’s family, while rationalizing
that the excessive labor is necessary to provide for them.

The last example is especially easy to live out, albeit unknowingly. Grinding, and moving up the ladder, is ingrained in our work culture. Success, obtained legally and ethically, is no sin. Yet with more power, comes more temptations. Beware the saying, “New level, new devil.” It’s wiser than we know.

When he spots an opening, Satan is quick to plant seeds – literally, seeds of doubt. We begin to question our beliefs. We can weaken to short-term pleasures, often with long-term consequences. We might embrace feelings of grandeur, similar to Adam and Eve after their bites of the history-altering apple. The devil has taken hold.

Defend Yourself

“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” – Ephesians 6:11

We need to recognize these traps, before they’re sprung. The best offense, to borrow a football cliché, is a good defense.

Satan is a coward. He doesn’t go after groups of believers. Rather, he targets the stragglers, the loners, the unsettled who have wandered from the flock.

We fortify our defenses against him by enjoying time within Christian communities. We strengthen our walls of love by supporting each other. We should seek to bring God’s light into others’ lives at every opportunity, and into every organization where we partake.

Meanwhile, let’s not be afraid to witness to our discipleship. When we’re hesitant to talk about Christ with others – whether in business, social or family circles – the devil is sowing his seeds.

Oh, you don’t want to “offend” anyone? You should be offended that Satan is trying to undermine your relationship with God! Don’t let him!

Satan is gaining enough of a foothold all around us. God has largely been removed from public spaces. Mentions of faith on social media generate huge blowback. Hollywood productions glorify depraved lifestyles, practically advertising for the devil’s domain.

We alone, as believers, can threaten Satan. We have the power of love with family, and friends, and communities and neighbors. He can’t overcome this … unless we allow an opening to emerge.

So don’t. Live as God commands. Don’t fall prey to temptations that create chinks in your armor. Maybe the devil will finally give up, and hunt for easier prey. Until that time … stay alert.

(If you’re ready to embrace Christ, He’s ready for you. Visit C Suite for Christ to join in Christ-centered fellowship with other professionals. Submit a prayer request for a pressing need in your life. Participate in a virtual prayer session to ask God to be with those who have submitted requests. Follow C Suite for Christ on LinkedIn and Facebook. Questions? Contact Paul M. Neuberger at (414) 313-8338 or pneuberger@csuiteforchrist.com.)

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 6:10

Life is full of distractions.

The day-to-day routine of managing family and work has its challenges. Throw in something serious and unexpected – a health issue, employment problem or even a major car repair – and “overwhelmed” can quickly take hold.

For most people, though, life pretty much defines “routine.” Their schedules don’t vary much. Spare time exists.

It’s why millions spend hours each day perusing Facebook, or Instagram, or TikTok. Netflix and other home-delivered entertainment consume countless hours, as well.

Why? It’s about, to use market-speak, “consumers’ choices.” These choices reflect their priorities.

So where does God fit in? If you’re a Christian – whether proclaimed from the rooftops or held deep in your heart – are you spending time at church, reading the Bible, and telling others about God’s glory?

Or are you “too busy” with these secular distractions – ahem, “choices” – to invest time into building God’s kingdom?

The Price of Being Quiet

“What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs.” – Matthew 10:27

God doesn’t want us to be quiet. He commands us to shout, or bang a gong, or make another heavenly noise to let others know of His presence.

Few Christians do, though. We’re a silent group. We worry about “offending” others with our beliefs.

Never mind, meanwhile, that God has been removed from nearly every public space.

When’s the last time you heard about a legal fight over religious symbolism at a school, municipal building or courthouse? You don’t anymore – because those battles have been waged. God lost.

So did we, as Christians. Good luck, too, finding public nativity scenes at Christmas. Were the forces seeking removal of these symbols concerned about “offending” us? Fat chance.

Meanwhile, every succeeding generation has lower rates of church participation. Less than half of U.S. adults belong to a church, according to Gallup polling. The number has dropped 23 percentage points in just the past two decades.

Three out of five millennials – the generation now having children – don’t go to church. If not raised in faith, will their kids suddenly discover God later? Highly unlikely.

The cycle continues. The ripples grow. Faith takes on less and less importance in society. Will a day come when religious schools are no more? Where “One Nation Under God” really, truly no longer applies?

Proclaim and Exclaim – Now, More than Ever

“Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:15-16

Imagine a world without God. You might not want to even do so. Yet it’s a reality we could face … unless we let God’s holy light shine through us.

Seek out opportunities to tell others about God’s wondrous works in your life. Even more importantly, be ready to listen to their questions.

Invite someone – maybe a very part-time congregant, or someone who belongs to the oft-maligned “Christmas and Easter crowd” – to church with you. Make them feel welcome. Many people are intimidated by visiting a strange church. Create a comfort zone.

Post a faith-based message on social media – yes, one of those “distractions.” Step out in God’s name. You might have to withstand some slings and arrows. Respond with kindness. Ask them to respect your beliefs … just as you respect theirs.

This has nothing to do with being “able” to share God’s light. We all are.

Rather, it’s simply about being available. Are you? Or are you caught up in distractions … and “too busy?”

(If you’re ready to embrace Christ, He’s ready for you. Visit C Suite for Christ to join in Christ-centered fellowship with other professionals. Submit a prayer request for a pressing need in your life. Participate in a virtual prayer session to ask God to be with those who have submitted requests. Follow C Suite for Christ on LinkedIn and Facebook. Questions? Contact Paul M. Neuberger at (414) 313-8338 or pneuberger@csuiteforchrist.com.)

“The wicked wait in ambush for the godly, looking for an excuse to kill them.” – Psalms 37:32

Most everyone has vision problems.

For some, it’s realized early. Glasses become a necessity in youth. They might use contact lenses later, or have LASIK treatment. Nevertheless, their eyesight will require aid forever.

For others, life slowly blurs. Deterioration of their eyesight is gradual. It creeps up … until the day they realize squinting no longer works. They need help. Glasses are a new reality.

Nearly everybody wears glasses at some point in life. Some feel self-conscious. The wearer is really in a jam if they’re lost or broken. It’s almost a no-win.

Yes, poor eyesight is a very human condition. God, on the other hand, helps us “see” the world through a different lens. It’s not always rose colored, either. Where we affix our vision – not how – is the key to living a life where we fully see God’s guidance and commandments for us.

Seeing the world as God directs us

“No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.” – Philippians 3:13

Horses are notoriously skittish creatures. Sudden movements spook them. Handlers put blinders on the animals to focus their eyes straight ahead. With no peripheral vision, chances greatly diminish of their being upset by nearby activity.

Humans don’t wear literal blinders. Yes, often metaphorical ones, to be sure.

No, we look wherever our interests, and desires, take us. They might be down paths of righteousness … or somewhere else.

Where are you affixing your gaze? Which horizons are you scanning? As importantly, where are you not looking?

The world is full of false gods that are all too prominent in our sight: money. Possessions. Career. Ego. Fame. Gambling. Pornography.

Are you staring at these idols, absorbed and unable to look away? Has your vision strayed away from God’s purposes … and affixed itself on the horizon of Sodom and Gomorrah?

Prepare your vision statement

“So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. ‘Save me, Lord!’ he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. ‘You have so little faith,’ Jesus said. ‘Why did you doubt me?’” – Matthew 14:29-31

We can easily find trouble if not looking in the right places. By example, Peter was fine, strolling across the waves, until he looked away from Jesus. He panicked as he sank. Jesus’s rebuke was strong and poignant.

We begin to slowly sink when we take our eyes off Christ. We might not even grasp it. Those false gods grab our attention oh-so-easily. Eventually, though, we realize our situation … and lose our cool, just like Peter.

Yet, we shouldn’t have to start sinking to realize a problem exists. Keeping our eyes on God, and the light of the cross, saves us from drowning. Things get really wet, really fast, only when we doubt. Those false gods always beckon.

How to avoid this? Make a personal vision statement. Pledge to focus on Jesus, and his promise of hope. Fully appreciate that, because of His love and sacrifice, better times lie ahead.

It’s easy to get distracted in life. A “vision statement” can keep your attention on Jesus, where it justly belongs. Even amid life’s greatest storms, His presence will make you feel like you can walk on water.

(If you’re ready to embrace Christ, He’s ready for you. Visit C Suite for Christ to join in Christ-centered fellowship with other professionals. Submit a prayer request for a pressing need in your life. Participate in a virtual prayer session to ask God to be with those who have submitted requests. Follow C Suite for Christ on LinkedIn and Facebook. Questions? Contact Paul M. Neuberger at (414) 313-8338 or pneuberger@csuiteforchrist.com.)

Module Two: Risk Assessment Awareness – Strategic Risks
By Chuck Harris

You can’t prepare for a disaster that has already happened. The best anyone can do is be aware of what can happen, and create a strategic plan to deal with the disruptive event should it ever confront them.

First step: Awareness, so you don’t get blindsided by the disruption.

Second step: Preparedness so, if and when the worst happens, you can cleanly implement your plan, without being immobilized by the disruption.

Third step: Take action, so you can move forward confidently and not look back.

Awareness

Four major disruptors (the 4 Ds) can severely affect both the operation and valuation of your company:

• Death
• Disability
• Divorce
• Drugs or other addictions

Preparedness

You may have never considered the effects the 4 Ds could have on your future. Now is the time to think about being proactive and intentional, instead of reactive and emotional … should a worst case become your reality.

The Four Ds create disruption, regardless of whether the death, disability, divorce or drug addiction applies to you or another key person at your company.

A few words of wisdom from former President Theodore Roosevelt: “In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing. The next best thing you can do is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.”

When assessing the risks you face, the best approach is is be confident and act boldly.

Death or Disability

Here are several High Payoff Actions you can take to help get your company prepared for the death or disability of the owner or a key member of the leadership team:

1. Have a Business Plan in place that defines company vision, values and mission – and how the company will operate to fulfill the owner’s vision and the company’s mission.

Red Flag Question: Do you have a current business plan for your business?

• _____Yes – Good for you!
• _____No – Consider creating a business plan to guide the strategic vision of your company.

2. Know the value of your business. Have your business valued by consulting with a business attorney, business broker, business insurance specialist or CPA.

a. The Accelerated Cash Flow System can help you obtain a business valuation at a very modest cost compared to other options. If you don’t know the value of your business, ask your coach how to obtain one.

b. When business partners are in agreement about the value of a business before the loss of a partner occurs, the transition process can proceed without argument. Update the business valuation every couple of years. If you use the Accelerated Cash Flow System valuation model, your valuation will be updated automatically each year.

c. Should the valuation turn out to be less than anticipated, you can work on growing the value of your business to command a premium price when you decide to sell.

Red Flag Question: Do you have a current business valuation?

• _____Yes – Congratulations!
• _____No – Add business valuation to your list of High Payoff Activities!

3. Create a Succession Plan. Consult with a business attorney (preferably one who specializes in estate and succession planning) to create a plan for how your ownership interest will transfer upon your death, and how the value going to your estate should be distributed.

Red Flag Question: Do you have a succession plan in place?

• _____Yes – Congratulations!
• _____No – Add creating a succession plan to your list of High Payoff Activities!

4. Have a Buy-Sell Agreement in place, with your business partners, along with a mechanism to fund the agreement. The Buy-Sell Agreement will be part of your succession plan.

a. The funding of a Buy-Sell Agreement is typically done with insurance policies purchased on each of the partners, naming the others as beneficiaries.

b. Seek out the best succession planning/estate attorney you can find. Your family and business partners will thank you for getting this right, should you be the first one to stop breathing.

Red Flag Question: Do you have a buy-sell agreement with your partners?

• _____Yes – Congratulations!
• _____No – Add creating a buy-sell agreement to your list of High Payoff Activities!

5. Disability – Protect Yourself, Long and Short Term
It’s normal for entrepreneurs to believe they will live forever and that disabilities only happen to other people. The fact is we can get so wrapped up in day-to-day opportunities and challenges (the tyranny of the urgent), that we forget the risk of becoming disabled and unable to work. All it takes is a call to the insurance professional you work with, to discuss and then act to ensure your income continues in the event of a short- or long-term disability.

Red Flag Question: Do you have disability insurance?

• _____Yes – Good for you!
• _____No – Add contacting an insurance agent to your list of High Payoff Activities!

Divorce – Statistics from a family law firm (unverified) are as follows:

• 42% of first marriages fail
• 60% of second marriages fail
• 73% of third marriages fail

These figures do not account for legal separations, or those living in relationships outside of marriage.

The dynamics of a deteriorating marriage can drain energy and focus, and create havoc, within a company when the affected person or people have key responsibilities.

We won’t address the obvious need for professional and emotional support when people’s lives are melting down due to relationship issues. Our purpose is to address the financial risks to a company when these unfortunate situations occur.

Consulting with an attorney about strategies for protecting or dividing assets, while making provisions for those affected by the divorce, can be worth considering.

Drugs and other addictions

Whether in a company environment, or in the homes of those who work at your company, drugs can create volatile and dangerous situations:

• Potential of injury or death
• Conflicts between people
• Possible embezzlement to pay for a drug or gambling habit
• Destruction of relationships affecting both business and personal life

Having a defined and well-documented policy about use of drugs in the workplace, and how related situations will be addressed, should be part of a company handbook.

Red Flag Question: Does your company have an employee handbook, with a clearly outlined policy towards drugs in the workplace?

• _____Yes – Outstanding!
• _____No – Add creation of an employee handbook to your High Payoff Activities list!

Vigilance and awareness will go a long way toward reducing the negative impact of drugs in the workplace.

If you answered “No” to any of this article’s Red Flag Questions, your company is at risk. Seek professional guidance as appropriate.

Remember the words of President Teddy Roosevelt:

“The worst thing you can do is nothing.”

Don’t wait. Take action! You’ll thank us later.

High Payoff Activity: Review your answers to the Red Flag questions in this section, and make a list of where you need to act to protect yourself from the 4 Ds of business disruption.

(If you’re ready to embrace Christ, He’s ready for you. Visit C Suite for Christ to join in Christ-centered fellowship with other professionals. Submit a prayer request for a pressing need in your life. Participate in a virtual prayer session to ask God to be with those who have submitted requests. Follow C Suite for Christ on LinkedIn and Facebook. Questions? Contact Paul M. Neuberger at (414) 313-8338 or pneuberger@csuiteforchrist.com.)