Defining Authentic Success as Christian Business Leaders
FCCI (Fellowship of Companies for Christ International)
A global movement of business leaders who help each other lead companies for Christ.
How Do You Want to Be Remembered?
As Christian business leaders, the question of legacy is one we must confront. Dr. James Dobson once shared a poignant story about asking his parents how they wanted to be remembered. His father’s response was simple yet profound: “He prayed.” This reflection invites us to consider what will be written on our own proverbial tombstones. What will our lives say about us? More importantly, how can we align our success with God’s purpose?
The Roots of Success: A Biblical Perspective
Success in the secular world often revolves around power, prestige, prosperity, and pleasure. But as Christians, we are called to a higher standard—one rooted in biblical principles and eternal impact. John 15:7-8 reminds us that abiding in Christ and bearing fruit glorifies God and shows that we are His disciples. Authentic success, therefore, is not about outward achievements but inward transformation and meaningful impact.
To achieve this, we must focus on our ‘roots’—our attitudes, beliefs, and commitments—rather than chasing after the fruit. Just as Alfred Nobel redefined his legacy from destruction to peace after reading his premature obituary, we too can recalibrate our lives to reflect God’s kingdom values.
Ten Principles for Living a Life of Impact
Drawing from Proverbs and biblical wisdom, here are ten principles to guide Christian leaders toward authentic success:
1. Be Proactive: Take charge of your life under God’s direction rather than being a victim of circumstances.
2. Leverage Strengths: Use your God-given talents while humbly acknowledging and addressing weaknesses.
3. Develop Positive Attitudes: Cultivate godly perspectives even amidst challenges.
4. Build on Biblical Principles: Anchor your values in Scripture to create a firm foundation.
5. Pursue Purpose: Align your mission with God’s agenda for your life.
6. Balance Life: Integrate all aspects of your life—faith, family, work—in harmony.
7. Prioritize Relationships: Focus on caring for people and building meaningful connections.
8. Strengthen Inner Character: Foster spiritual growth by living a Spirit-filled, Word-centered life.
9. Resolve Conflicts Positively: Approach problems with energy and faith rather than negativity.
10. Stay Faithful: Persevere in your calling despite obstacles.
These principles are not just theoretical but practical steps toward living an integrated life that honors God.
Marketplace Leadership: The Second Reformation
We are living in what some call the “Second Reformation,” where the work of the kingdom is being freed from the confines of traditional church structures and entrusted to marketplace leaders. As business leaders, you are uniquely positioned to influence culture by embodying Christ-like values in your organizations.
The marketplace believer is no longer a passive participant but an active agent of change—a “roaring lamb,” as Bob Briner described it. Your leadership can extend beyond profit-making to fostering environments of integrity, compassion, and service.
Hearing the Lute: Authentic Transformation
A.W. Tozer once said, "One word from the lips of the man who has actually heard the lute play will have more effect than a score of sermons by the man who has only heard that it was played." (The Root of Righteousness). As leaders, it is vital to live Spirit-filled lives that reflect genuine transformation rather than merely echoing others’ experiences.
This authenticity requires abiding deeply in Christ and allowing His Word to shape every aspect of our lives. When we lead from this place of spiritual vitality, our influence becomes both profound and enduring.
Defining Success on God’s Terms
Ultimately, success is about integration—being whole in Christ—and impact—leaving a legacy that glorifies God. As Dr. Dobson observed, culture often pushes us toward worldly definitions of success. Yet as Christian leaders, we must resist this pressure and intentionally define success through the lens of Scripture.
Let us strive to be remembered not for fleeting achievements but for lives that bore much fruit for God’s glory. By focusing on the roots—our relationship with Christ and adherence to His principles—we can lead with excellence and leave behind a legacy that truly matters.
Reflection Questions for Leaders:
- How do you define success in your personal and professional life?
- Are your daily decisions aligned with God’s purpose for you?
- What steps can you take today to focus more on roots rather than fruit?
May this be a season where you refine your vision, deepen your faith, and lead boldly for His kingdom!
[Dr. Ron Jenson is an internationally known author, speaker, and interviewer of hundreds of top leaders in the areas of leadership, life success, and influence. Dr. Jenson spent eight years as President of a group of international graduate schools and is currently Chairman of Future Achievement International, a leadership development company specializing in principle-centered personal leadership solutions for organizations and individuals.
Future Achievement’s educational programs, products and services are currently sold and distributed in over 40 countries through various sales channels including: professionals, corporations, ministry/non-profit organizations, government sectors, youth and the family marketplace. Dr. Jenson is also Founder of High/Ground, a not-for-profit, faith-based organization focused on being a catalyst for personal leadership development worldwide.
Dr. Ron Jenson is known throughout America and much of the world as America’s Life Coach, reflecting his expertise in the area of personal leadership. Ron’s doctoral work was in the area of leadership development and included intensive research on the major written works in the field as well as personal interviews with 350 of the top leaders in the United States and internationally.]