A very powerful book has recently come out called Counterfeit Gods, by Tim Keller. It takes a religious approach, but certainly would stand alone as a business book as well. It begins by asking us what we work for; what can we not do without; what do we absolutely live for?
A modern, succinct answer might be success, money, true love, and the life we've always wanted. Throw in a great sex life and one might have the bases pretty well covered!
Why then are there suicides like we've seen at Bear Stearns, HSBC Bank, & others? Why did Madonna write, "My drive in life is from this horrible feeling of being mediocre? My struggle has never ended & it probably never will."
Andrew Carnegie wrote, "Man must have an idol. The amassing of wealth is one of the worst species of idolatry." But money is only the most visible; there are many others. Even good things, like a successful business, our children, or even volunteer work, can be our idol if carried to an extreme. If we can't function well in a given area without perfection, something's wrong.
No one thinks they're greedy; we think we're entitled. The problem is that we as humans are built with insatiable "wants" (not needs). Stop and think. Don't you tire of even a good thing? That boat that I bought was so cool when I first launched it. But then, over time it didn't seem as special; there were other things to do, newer & more unique. We all remember the Law of Diminishing Return in Econ 101: the first chocolate bar is great, the second good, and by the time you eat four you get sick!
Balance is a terrific antidote. Without it we become fixated and irrational. We must keep everything in its perspective, & control our craving for things that end up being empty promises, hollow achievements, and controlling.
So who or what should be at our pinnacle? Tim maintains it's God, who said, "You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men but, I know your hearts." Tim maintains, and I agree, that there is only one way to change what's in your heart: by giving Him yours & asking for His help.
To some of you, I know this seems radical, but know one thing: God is one terrific businessperson!
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