In Difficult Times Who Do You Serve?

This is an excerpt from God Is My CEO 2nd Edition, in which forty business leaders share their timeless wisdom.

Contributor: Marc Belton

Former Executive Vice President, Global Strategy, Growth and Marketing Innovation, General Mills

“I can’t tell you how many times I became a better leader through difficult transformative opportunities that I didn’t run from.

“When I was younger, I went through an incredibly difficult divorce. I had little empathy for people struggling with issues because I didn’t really appreciate God’s grace in my own life. Up to that point, life was easy for me. I took relationships for granted. I couldn’t see things from others’ perspectives. I certainly didn’t appreciate the effort that’s required to help people in need. That season of adversity helped set me on a different journey to become a better human being and a better leader. Had I not gone through that I would not be the leader I am today.

“Professionally, I’ve been in tough vice grip jobs where all sides tell you you’re the zero even though given the difficulty of the task you should feel like a hero. In one job I was even sent into ‘corporate exile.’ Interestingly, while in exile, you get a chance to develop true humility, learn new things, and get better. Those times helped me understand what it means to be in His service. I learned how to represent the King by loving and building people, helping company performance by doing things with excellence, and serving the community. All these things reflect well on the company you’re serving as well as the One you serve.

“I encourage you: Allow difficult times to transform you. Allow Christ to help you be changed through adversity. You’ll be a better leader because of it.”

In difficult times, who will you serve and who will you trust? What is God teaching you?

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Business leaders face the difficult task of reconciling their personal beliefs with the bottom-line demands of their business obligations. Often, it seems like the conflict between short-term business strategies and their desire to “do the right thing” pull them in opposite directions.

• In God Is My CEO, readers learn how to:Develop their God-given talents and skills, while developing a spiritual center
• Gain ideas and encouragement through real-life stories of successful business leaders who have faced the same challenges
• Learn to apply a practical daily plan to overcome the toughest business issues
• Focus their energies and thoughts on moving forward with a sense of purpose

Many business leaders struggle with the dilemma of being successful and living a life with purpose.God Is My CEO offers a practical and inspirational source of guidance for achieving a balanced and accomplished life.