Go tell, that is the goal

Philippians 2:1-4

If I was given only one word to describe my occupation it would have to be “sales,” I spent 40 years of my life in exploring the art of sales.  One thing I’ve noticed about sales people they are goal oriented, most great ones can work on a team but would prefer to have the freedom and the challenge of developing a plan to penetrate the account.  Everyone who is in sales works for the ability to make money.  I’ve come to believe money is not the main motivation; there is great satisfaction in developing the plan and carrying it to victory, and that is a factor but not the driving force.  Most great sales people are driven by recognition, they need the appreciation or fame earned by an achievement. 

The challenge to management of this type of personality is to show appreciation and give recognition, and money is always a good scorecard, but the challenge is giving recognition for the past, but not to keep visiting the past.   A smart leader will encourage that person with new goals with new challenges.  So how does that fit into Philippians 2:1-4?  I believe, to some degree, most of us have grown up into a culture of self, we want to do it our way and we want others to respect our thoughts and do what we do.  It’s called building your own group; people who are in like mind with you, and that may give us some understanding of why we have so many groups we call denominations.  What is the definition of a denomination: “a section of the Christian church that has specific beliefs and practices that differ from those of other groupings and its own system of organization.”

It is not a new thing; that is precisely what the apostle Paul was writing to the church at Philippi.  “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.  Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.  Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

When I was blessed to find a great salesperson who would put aside self, and allow me to engage their thoughts and methods, I did not have a spirit of rivalry with them, but I was humbled, knowing that they put the goal above themselves.  To my surprise a few were very young, and a few were not in the sales game.   If we have that in the pagan world of sales, that encompasses competition, why will we not put aside self in our local church?  Your local church is not in competition with a sister church down the street, or one of another denomination that also is proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ.  It always has to happen at home before you take it on the road, so begin in your home first and also in your local church.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice