The Inspired Leader: 101 Biblical Reflections for Becoming a Person of Influence (39 page)

THROUGHOUT HISTORY GREAT leaders have often found it difficult to pass on their success to their offspring. The Duke of Wellington, Napoleon’s conqueror, was always formal with his own children and withheld signs of affection. His oldest son, Douro, was so intimidated by him that he once mused, “Think what it will be like when the Duke of Wellington is announced and only I come in” (Richard Holmes,
Wellington: The Iron Duke,
262). Many children of famous tycoons never demonstrated a fraction of their parents’ business aptitude. William Randolph Hearst loved his children but was often absent from them. His son Bill observed, “In not spending more time with his wife and children, my father made the biggest mistake of his life. It left an emptiness in all of us” (David Nasaw,
The Chief,
356). Perhaps that is why none of Hearst’s children completed college and each suffered turbulent, failure-riddled business careers. When Hearst’s oldest son George underperformed at one of his father’s companies, Hearst fired him, concluding, “He is apparently too lazy to occupy a position by himself and do any work” (David Nasaw,
The Chief,
358).

While it is certainly not a sin for your children to choose a different career path than yours, it
is
tragic when they choose not to embrace your faith in God. The Bible reveals that many successful leaders failed to lead their children spiritually. God used Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph to launch the Israelite nation. God knew the power of successive generations building upon each other’s walk with God. Moses was a dynamic leader but when he chose his successor, his own son Gershom (Exodus 2:22) was not up to the task so he appointed Joshua. Joshua’s honorable pledge is legendary, “
But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”
(Joshua 24:15). While Scripture is silent about Joshua’s children, after Joshua’s death, “
another generation arose after them who did not know the Lord nor the work which He had done for Israel. Then the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord…”
(Judges 2:10-11). Eli was a national leader but his sons Hophni and Phinehas were corrupt and did not know God (Judg. 2:12). Samuel was a revered statesman but his two sons Joel and Abijah disgraced their priestly office (Judges 8:3). King Hezekiah was one of the most righteous leaders in Judah’s history, but he reared Manasseh, who was arguably his nation’s wickedest monarch (2 Kings 21:1-2, 9). How could such godly leaders fail so miserably to teach the next generation to follow God?

D.L. Moody was the best-known evangelist of his day. Yet his sixteen-year-old son Will renounced his faith. Moody wrote him a heart-wrenching letter, “I sometimes think it is my fault, if I had lived more consistent you would not be so disgusted with what is so near my heart…if I have ever said or done any thing unbecoming a Christian father I want you to forgive me and I would rather die than stand in your way” (
Moody,
238).

How tragic to walk closely with God ourselves but not to help our children develop their own solid faith in Him. Our enthusiasm about following God does not guarantee that our children will share our zeal or understand our spiritual pilgrimage. We must be as intentional about helping our children develop their faith in God as we are in assisting them with their education and embarking on careers. Moody relentlessly pursued his prodigal son until he embraced his faith once more. Are your children following and even surpassing your walk with God?

REFLECT FOR A MOMENT

1. Are you a first generation Christian? If so, what kind of spiritual heritage do you believe God wants to pass down to the generations from your life? If you have a godly heritage, who were some of your ancestors who passed their faith down to you?
   

2. How are you living your life so it exerts a positive impact on your descendants? How much time do you spend explaining your faith and your decisions to your children and grandchildren? What are you doing to specifically pass on your spiritual legacy?
   

3. Think about ways you can pass on a Christian heritage to your descendants. Give your Bible to your children as a keepsake. Save your spiritual journals to be read by future generations. Make a recording of your testimony or spiritual journey. Record prayers you have prayed for those who follow you. Highlight the spiritual markers of your life that can encourage the generations that follow.
   

IN 1889 ANDREW Carnegie penned an essay that ignited vociferous debate among America’s business leaders. He charged, “The man who dies thus rich dies disgraced.” In 1901, Carnegie sold his steel company for $480 million, retaining for himself $225,639,000. It instantly made him one of the world’s wealthiest people. He spent the remainder of his life giving away his fortune to better the world. Largely impressed by Carnegie’s actions, John Rockefeller established the Rockefeller Foundation in 1913 and soon donated 183 million to it. He and his son would ultimately contribute over 1.5 billion dollars to charity.

The March 2011 edition of
Forbes
announced there were 1,210 billionaires in the world, scattered among 54 countries with a total estimated worth of $4.5 trillion. While the United States still boasts the most billionaires (413), in 2011 Moscow housed more billionaires than any other city (79). Mexico was home to the globe’s wealthiest person: Carlos Slim at $74 billion.

Business leaders have often used their resources for the betterment of humanity. Many have invested in education or medical care. Some, like Najib Mikati, take on the thankless job of trying to rebuild their nation (Lebanon). In 2011, Bill Gates was the world’s second wealthiest person ($56 billion). He would have been the wealthiest had he not already given away $30 billion. Warren Buffet was the third wealthiest ($50 billion). This duo travelled around the world urging fellow billionaires to donate half their wealth to charity. If America’s billionaires responded, $600 billion would be raised to address the world’s greatest issues. As of the end of 2010, 40 had accepted the challenge. Many business leaders, having enjoyed financial success, now feel compelled to invest their energies and resources into helping others. As they move further into their careers, they want to contribute to society while they still have the opportunity.

David rose from an inconsequential shepherd boy to his nation’s greatest leader. He enjoyed power and prestige but he also sought to leave a legacy. Scripture summarizes his life by saying, “
For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell asleep, was buried with his fathers, and saw corruption”
(Acts 13:36). God intends for us to “serve” our generation in whatever time God grants us. What a tragedy to spend our entire lives feverishly accumulating promotions and possessions but doing nothing to enhance the lives of others. Unbelievers give vast amounts of time and money to charitable causes out of their sense of decency and good will.
How much more
ought those who profess Christ as their Lord to live in a manner that builds God’s kingdom and changes their world?
Now
is the time to live our lives in a manner that impacts our world. Yesterday is past and tomorrow may be too late.

In a 2005 commencement address at Stanford, Steve Jobs mused to those beginning their business careers, “Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything—all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure—these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important.” Each of us has a limited time to serve our Lord. Each of us has a unique calling to fulfill. The clock is ticking. How have you been investing your life? What adjustments ought you to make?

“So teach us to number our days, that we may
present to You a heart of wisdom.”

PSALM 90:12 (NASB)

REFLECT FOR A MOMENT

1. What are some ways you are investing in the future? How are you investing your finances? How much is going to your heirs and how much to the Lord’s work? How generously do you share what you have with ministries that affect eternity?
   

2. Are you living your life as if you and your possessions will last forever? Or, are you living your life with a keen awareness that your time on earth is limited? How are you living with a sense of urgency? What are you presently investing in that will outlast you by many years or generations?
   

3. What does serving the Lord’s purposes in your generation look like? How has God uniquely equipped and blessed you in order to bless your generation? How has God’s call on your life given you a sense of purpose as you live and work?
   

NORTH CAROLINA'S MOUNTAINS attract thousands of tourists annually. In summer, people come from across America to escape the sweltering heat. The lush, green mountains provide breathtaking views. In the region around Asheville stand two impressive structures, both designed to accommodate numerous visitors.

One is The Biltmore Estate. In 1889 George Vanderbilt poured the inheritances he received from his grandfather Commodore Vanderbilt, the wealthiest businessman of his era, and his father William into the construction of America’s largest private residence. It took six years to build and entailed the construction of a private railway spur to bring construction materials to the 146,000-acre estate. Perched on a magnificent site with a panoramic view of 50 mountain peaks rising above 5,000 feet, the house boasted 255 rooms including a bowling alley, indoor pool, exercise room, a 20,000 volume library, and a cavernous banquet hall. In December 1895, George opened his luxurious residence to his wealthy relatives. Although his siblings owned lavish mansions on Fifth Avenue, they were duly impressed with the monument George had built to showcase the Vanderbilt millions. Vanderbilt commissioned extensive experiments in forestry and horticulture. On March 6, 1914, a heart attack caused George Vanderbilt’s untimely death at the age of 52. He had occupied his dream home for less than 19 years. His wife was soon forced to parcel off much of the surrounding lands to meet the enormous maintenance expenses. Today, the Biltmore is a popular tourist attraction that brings thousands of visitors each year to gawk at the enormous wealth enjoyed by America’s elite.