Business Leaders Connecting & Impacting for GenerationsSample

Value-ables

So much of our time is often spent planning for the transfer of our valuables from one generation to the next. I've often witnessed that this transfer is most commonly referred to and thought of strictly as your business, real estate, money, and possessions, basically, your “stuff.”  

The Bible talks about money and riches with warnings.  Too much without proper preparation has the ability to destroy you.  

Think about it this way, If I were to put 250 pounds on a bench press and then drop it on almost anyone without the proper preparation or conditioning, it would smash them.  But with time, proper coaching, conditioning, and preparation, they would be able to handle that weight and more. 

To transfer your valuables without the preparation required to steward it properly is too heavy and often, dangerous.  But if you properly prepare the next generation how to handle what is truly valuable, then the “stuff” you pass down can become a blessing instead of a curse. Here are my 4 keys to preparing the next generation.  

1. Share your Vision: Give the ability to see ahead. “I see the day when…” You may have heard the quote by Craig Groeschel, “Everyone is going somewhere; few people are going somewhere on purpose.” Or perhaps Helen Keller’s quote, “The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.”  These are people with vision.  What dreams and visions has God given you?  We were created by design, not default. Let’s live our lives the same way.  Put your value-able vision in writing, look at it often and live it out!  

2. Share your Core Values: These are the non-negotiables; the things God has placed on your heart. (For my family they are FAITH, VISION, STEWARDSHIP, IMPACT & GENEROSITY.)  This is your treasure!  If you are not sure of what yours are, then ask someone, they can tell you what they see.  Put your core values in writing, look at them often and live them out! 

3. Share your Virtues and Character:  This is how you reflect Jesus.  In Greek the word “character” means chisel, or the mark left by a stonemason’s chisel, each mark unique.  Your character traits and virtues are the unique permanent markings that you leave behind.  Allow people to see the real you. Allow them to discover your virtues and character by seeing you in action. 

4. Share your Village:  These are the relationships you have intentionally developed along your journey, including your relationship with God. We have a friend in Jesus. As my pastor says, “Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future.”  We were not made to do this alone.  We need relationships that will hold us accountable, encourage and mentor us. 

If you successfully transfer your vision, values, virtues and village, you won’t have to worry about them stewarding the STUFF.