度過生命風暴所需要的根基

那商人說，許多美麗的樹從泥土裡被扯出並倒落在地，就像花園中的雜草。而其他高大的樹卻能屹立不搖，不受暴風的影響。他注意到一個差異：被吹倒之樹的根都很淺，所以當風雨來襲時，它們輕易就被吹倒。

我認為這也可以清楚地應用在今日這動盪不安的工商專業界。毫無疑問，全球市場經歷了紛亂且經常是意外的改變。經濟的變動造成個人、公司和整個產業的艱辛。科技上不斷地升級改變使許多公司陣腳大亂。許多公司在這不確定且未知的風暴中無法存活。

所以，我們──不論是個人或公司──要如何才能抵抗這些變動的風暴？我們如何避免被連根拔起且被丟在一旁枯萎而死？

秘訣是要有一個堅固持久的「根基」。對公司而言，這包括一個堅強的使命感，這使命已清楚地告訴員工、顧客及供應商。本質上就是「我們為何在這裡？我們要做什麼？」同樣重要的是你和你們公司所相信且採用的價值觀。這些價值觀可以回答這問題「我們如何做我們做的事？」換句話說，什麼是你們不可妥協的道德倫理──什麼是你們無論如何絕不讓步的標準？

根基的另一個重要部份是異象（願景）──現在我們在哪裡？未來我們要朝哪個方向走？箴言29章18節說：「沒有異象，民就放肆。」

我們可以採用周圍文化的價值觀；我們可以從許多來源選擇我們的使命；我們的異象可以是許多形式。但即使在21世紀，有一個根基是無可比擬的──那就是上帝的話。以下是神話語提供的一些原則：

一個能堅強站立的穩固根基。耶穌基督向祂的跟隨者說了一個建築的比喻。「所以，凡聽見我這話就去行的，好比一個聰明人，把房子蓋在磐石上；雨淋，水沖，風吹，撞著那房子，房子總不倒塌，因為根基立在磐石上」（馬太福音7章24-25節）。

一個不穩定的根基很快就會倒塌。然後耶穌警告那些知道正確的事但卻不去做的人。「凡聽見我這話不去行的，好比一個無知的人，把房子蓋在沙土上；雨淋，水沖，風吹，撞著那房子，房子就倒塌了，並且倒塌得很大」（馬太福音7章26-27節）。

一個永恆的根基能抵抗所有風暴。聖經說，最穩固的根基是透過耶穌基督與上帝有日漸親密的關係。這樣的關係會建立使命、定義價值觀、澄清異象。「你們既然接受了主基督耶穌，就當遵他而行，在他裡面生根建造，信心堅固」（歌羅西書2章6-7節）。

勞勃．泰默西是領袖資產協會的交通部副部長，這是一個總部在美國喬治亞州亞特蘭大的非營利組織。他也是一個有38年經驗的退休新聞工作者。他寫過一本書「最佳狀態的商業：箴言給今日職場的歷久彌新智慧」（Business At Its Best: Timeless Wisdom from Proverbs for Today”s Workplace）。他也與David A. Stoddard合著一本書「導師之心」（The Heart of Mentoring）。要了解更多資訊, 可上網www.leaderslegacy.com 或上他的部落格 www.bobtamasy.blogspot.com 。

The businessman said numerous beautiful trees had been ripped out of the soil and scattered, like weeds in a garden. Other stately trees had remained standing, unaffected by the storm. He noted one difference: The trees torn down had shallow root systems, so when the rain and winds came, they fell with relative ease.

I think this has clear application for all who work in today”s turbulent business and professional world. Without question the global marketplace has experienced tumultuous, often unexpected shifts. Economic upheaval has caused hardship for individuals, companies and entire industries. Constant and escalating technological change has left many organizations reeling. Many have not survived these storms of uncertainty and the unknown.

So how are we – as individuals and as corporations – to withstand these winds of change? How can we avoid becoming uprooted and cast aside to perish?

The key is a solid, enduring “root system.” Corporately speaking, this includes a strong sense of mission, one that has been clearly articulated to staff, customers and suppliers. In essence, “Why are we here, and what do we do?” Equally important are the values you and your company embrace. These answer the question, “How do we do what we do?” In other words, what are your ethical non-negotiables – what are the standards you will never compromise, no matter what?

Another important part of your root system can be vision – where are we now, and where do we see ourselves headed into the future? As one translation of Proverbs 29:18 states, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.“

We can adopt our values from the surrounding culture; we can choose our mission from any number of sources; our vision can take many forms. But even in the 21st century, one root system seems beyond compare – the Word of God. Here are some of the principles it offers:

A solid foundation stands strong. Speaking to his followers, Jesus Christ offered a construction analogy. “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against the house, yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock” (Matthew 7:24-25).

An unstable foundation is quick to fall. Jesus then warned of the folly of knowing what is right to do, but failing to implement it. “But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the wind blew and beat against the house, and it fell with a great crash” (Matthew 7:26-27).

An eternal foundation can endure every storm. The most secure root system of all, the Bible declares, is anchored in a growing relationship with God through Jesus Christ. It establishes mission, defines values, and clarifies vision. “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith…” (Colossians 2:6-7).

Robert J. Tamasy is vice president of communications for Leaders Legacy, Inc., a non-profit corporation based in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A. A veteran journalist for 40 years, he is the author of Tufting Legacies; Business At Its Best: Timeless Wisdom from Proverbs for Today”s Workplace (River City Press); and has coauthored with David A. Stoddard, The Heart of Mentoring (NavPress). For more information, see www.leaderslegacy.com or his blog, www.bobtamasy.blogspot.com.