When we here at Stewardship Advisory Group talk about the 6 Transcendent Principles (like we did in last month's newsletter), we assume that those principles will be used in conjunction with all the principles found in God's Word -- and that the end result will not only be financial success, but a heart of generosity, too. Want to know what all that looks like in a successful business leader's life? Look no further than David Green of Hobby Lobby fame.
"You're Never Poor When You Have Something to Give"
Mr. Green began to learn God's principles as a child growing up in a poor pastor's family. He learned generosity from his mother who said "you're never poor when you have something to give." She lived those words while crocheting doilies and making pies to sell to raise money for missions.
It's All About Others
As a highschooler working odd-jobs at his local five-and-dime, Mr. Green asked the store owner, Mr. Tyler, why they didn't sell nuts "plain" rather than spending time roasting them first. The older gentleman reminded Green to always think of the customer first. A group of local air-force officers liked to buy their nuts ready to eat and were willing to pay for the convenience.
Today, David Green applies the "others first" principle not just to customer-service, but also employee service. In addition to an above average starting wage for full and part-time employees, Hobby Lobby stores also close on Sundays. The company's website explains the reason behind their decision.
"We have chosen to close on the day most widely recognized as a day of rest, in order to allow our employees and customers more time for worship and family. "
God Owns It, So He Gets It
Transcendent principles No. 5 (Give generously.) and No. 6 (Understand God owns it all.) naturally build off the other and David Green's use of these together is most evident in his October 2012 interview with Forbes Magazine. Writer Brian Solomon opens his article stating that Green insists that God is "the true owner of his $3 billion arts and crafts chain" and goes on to say that Green is the largest evangelical benefactor in the world.
Hobby Lobby places half of its pretax earnings directly into a portfolio of evangelical ministries. Forbes Magazine estimates his lifetime giving at close to $500 million.
While God may not have billions of dollars in store for most of us, let's follow David Green's example and strive to live a life of service and generosity for the sake of the One Who gave His all for us. God will bless!
