View from the Summit

Here are five things I have learned about spirituality or connecting with a higher power:

1) Die to self

2) Don't try it in your own strength

3) Don't place your identity in your work or stuff

4) My ways are not always God's ways.

5) If God wants this to be part of His plan, He will provide the tools and resources.

A couple days ago a friend of mine, Matt Miller president of School Spirit Vending Co. came to Nashville from Texas on a business trip.

We met at the local pizza parlor in downtown Franklin. What a great time we had as we shared pizza with 14 other members of Matt's team. Laughing, sharing, joking and of course eating like there was no tomorrow.

Story after story being told as we compared the great state of Tennessee to Texas. One guy risking his life wearing a Dallas Cowboy jersey in the midst of Titan territory.

Where I went to school this equation would not fly. Even to say less is more is crazy. I mean, come on, 4 is greater than 2 and so on. But what I do know now as a 53 year old successful businessman is more often than not less is better.

I chased all the glitz and glamour only to find an empty chest at the base of the rainbow. Each and every milestone revealed more cash and less time.

In no way do I want to minimize my desire to succeed financially because I love to make money. I just don't want money to own me.

REASON 1: As a Christ follower first and foremost, you have to know Him personally and realize His divine authority over all creation.

You cannot grow alone when the supreme heavenly father has a unique plan for your life.

God reveals our life incrementally as we follow him on a daily basis and cultivate our faith. God orders our steps as we diligently search his will. Other Christians are a great source of strength and wisdom and the Bible clearly tells us to forsake not the assembling of the saints.

Corporate worship is a God directed plan that helps us spiritually mature and allows for interaction with other believers. During immense study and prayer our true motives are revealed and hopefully humility is exercised.

Realizing we are simply stewards over what God has entrusted in us will cause extreme care in the way we prepare to handle our resources. Being aware of Gods grace and compassion will create in us a desire to honor our fellow man in a way that we want to be treated.