Whenever you hire anyone—a service provider, employee, contractor, subcontractor, or contract laborer—you hire their worldview. Their worldview is their view of reality. This will define their philosophy, values, and principles—their heart—which will be reflected in their work.
For people who don’t know Christ, their worldview will most likely be Islam, secular humanism (atheist or agnostic), or eastern (Chinese traditional folk religion,1 Hinduism, or Buddhism). Globally, following Christianity, these are the most prominent worldviews.2
The apostle Paul referred to non-Christian worldviews as worldly, meaning they are not of God and therefore are fundamentally flawed. Consequently, anyone who adheres to a non-Christian worldview with integrity will produce work inconsistent with the Christian worldview. Some examples of worldly practices that emanate from non-Christian worldviews are self-centeredness and the focus on money. I refer to this as the M&M (me and money) syndrome.
Self-centeredness (narcissism) is the preoccupation with self above others. This focus on self is expressed in phrases such as “What’s in it for me?” Narcissistic workers make decisions based on personal pleasure, comfort, and convenience. They will do as little as they can and no more. They will attempt to appease by overpromising and underdelivering, and they will complain if they are asked to do something they don’t want to do. The Christian view operates not from self-centeredness but selflessness that is expressed by true servant leadership—seeking to sacrificially serve God’s purpose in another.
Exacerbating narcissism is the inordinate focus on money. I call these people mammon worshippers. Mammon worshippers only work to make money. Every decision is driven by their preoccupation with money. Anything they perceive to be monetarily unprofitable will be rejected and, most likely, either not done or only done half-heartedly. The result will be poorly performed work.
The M&M syndrome is an example of worldly ways. Not only do non-Christians display this syndrome, but, according to the above text, professing Christians can revert to worldly ways, which means they can display this syndrome as well.
Here is your business tip. Wise managers understand the M&M syndrome is the default condition of mankind. Even professing Christians can revert to living in this state. Therefore, to detect the M&M syndrome, wise organizational leaders will consider more than just a person’s profession of faith. They will look deeper—they will seek to discern the person’s heart (his or her worldview). To do this, organizational leaders should consider many factors, such as a person’s key relationships (both family and friends), overall deportment, work history, outside activities, and prior work reputation. All of these will reveal truth about a person’s worldview and provide clues as to whether the person has the maturity to live aligned with the will and ways of God. Only those who so live work with excellence to serve the purpose of God in others.
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1. A blend of Taoism, Confusionism, and Buddhism.
2. http://www.adherents.com/Religions_By_Adherents.html. |
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