Watch this video and visit with me the Oval office, as it existed when Ronald Reagan was President of the United States. Yes, there is a jar of jelly beans behind the lamp.

This video shows the ultimate in today’s world of the “seat of power.” In contrast, here is a picture of Napoleon's throne. What a contrast with the Oval Office. Reagan firmly believed that the people as a Trust, never to be mis-used and always for their benefit gave his “power” to him. Don’t think we can say the same for Napoleon.

Where does real power come from. We know the God is the “author and finisher” of all things so, that is the best place to start; and the best place to finish. Interestingly Jesus instituted the Church to represent Him powerfully in the world. He knew that we were created to be the most “powerful,” effective and efficient when we work, when we labor, together. When we each bring our developed natural gifts to the table, supplemented by the spiritual gifts He so graciously bestows.

So, how are we doing? Well, in some areas pretty good, and in so many I believe we grieve the “heart of God.” We do less than our best, we fight, quarrel and keep our good ideas to ourselves rather than leveraging them for the kingdom. It seems to me that when the Church, (with a capital "C") was instituted, leverage was a key component. It is what brings the "power to grow" leverage in all different forms.

There is compound interest in the financial world. Synergy and creative group ideation are examples of group leverage. When we share information we create a knowledge base that is greater than the sum of its parts. Knowledge leverage, leading to expanded wisdom, is one of the God honoring acts that leads to enhanced living for Him.

Let me give you two examples:
The first is the idea of Business for Ministry or for Mission. Using the business creation and management skills of christian entrepreneurs to build successful businesses funding ministry and/or missions.

The second is taking the opportunity to share our experiences, folding them into each other, and leveraging the learning that comes from the process. Christian Leadership Alliance and Envoy Financial sponsoring the First Faith-Based Retirement Plan Survey highlight a current example of this approach. If you are a Faith-Based organization leader, please take the survey at www.retirementplansurvey.com. I am excited to see what we can all learn from each other.

The seat of power comes from God. The application of that power, the leverage of that power to even greater growth for His glory is a challenge for us. For the us as “the church.”

We are each challenged to participate in the leverage process. How are you doing? I am challenged daily to not only talk the talk, but walk the walk. To walk the pathway to successfully representing Him in all I do. Leverage indeed!

Let me know your thoughts and comments. Our dialogue continues.

Living with Trusted Advice together
Bruce

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