
Listen to this article
Christopher Burt's life is a testament to radical transformation, a journey from tightly gripped control to an open-handed embrace of Christ's vision. The founder of Looking Glass Guitar Co. shares a powerful narrative of shifting from problem-focused thinking to solution-driven living, a change that not only reshaped his business but also redefined his personal and spiritual life.
Burt's early life was marked by diverse experiences. Growing up in central Illinois and later moving to Memphis, he pursued a legal career, working as a paralegal before attending law school. However, a pivotal moment arrived when he decided to gain real-world experience before diving into law, leading him to join the Memphis Police Department. This period, though challenging, provided invaluable lessons and a unique perspective on life.
His time as a police officer was intense, culminating in a severe injury that led to medical retirement. This unexpected turn, combined with the rigors of law school and the demands of fatherhood, brought him to a crossroads. "I was so burnt out," Burt admits, "not just burnt out, but kind of burnt out in a way that I was also deconstructing my faith, how to be a professional, how to be a legal professional, how to be a father, to be honest, even how to be a husband."
It was in this crucible of exhaustion and introspection that Burt's faith began to re-emerge, challenging him to adopt a new way of living. He realized he was stuck in a cycle of negativity, often competing with others about who had it worse. This realization sparked a profound shift: "I want to be a solution-driven person, not a problem-driven person." He understood that while problems are ubiquitous, finding solutions is what propels us forward.
This commitment to positivity was rooted in his faith. "Christ was in my life. Christ was leading my life. I know how the story ends at the end of the day. I know that there's a victory at the end of it. So why would I not live like the end was going to be victorious?" This victorious mindset transformed his interactions, attracting people who resonated with his newfound optimism. "When you put that positivity out in the world, it's amazing the people that come back and are attracted to you."
The second crucial aspect of Burt's transformation was learning to let go of control. For years, he had maintained a "white-knuckle grip" on every aspect of his business and life, only to encounter obstacle after obstacle. "I found every obstacle and I hit every pothole. I found all of them and I hit them as hard as I could."
His turning point came with a deeper understanding of Ephesians 3:20, particularly a literal translation from the Aramaic Bible: "But to him who is more than almighty to do for us and is greater than what we ask or imagine, according to his power that is active in us." This verse resonated deeply, challenging his tendency to rely on his own intellect and control. "Idolatry can come in many forms. And one of the major forms for me is my own intellect, my own understanding, and my own control."
By surrendering his control and embracing Christ's vision, Burt witnessed a miraculous turnaround in his business. What was once on the brink of collapse began to flourish, opening doors he never could have imagined. This journey of letting go and trusting in a greater plan has not only brought him success but also a profound sense of peace and purpose.
Today, Looking Glass Guitar Co. is a testament to this transformative journey. Burt and his team are revolutionizing guitar manufacturing, utilizing advanced 3D printing with metal filaments and innovative coatings like CERAKOTE to create highly customized, unique instruments.
This blend of craftsmanship and technology showcases the powerful impact of visionary leadership and faith-infused innovation.
Christopher Burt's story is an inspiring example of how embracing a victorious mindset, letting go of control, and trusting in a higher vision can lead to extraordinary outcomes, not just in business, but in every facet of life. His journey reminds us that true transformation begins when we align our efforts with a purpose far greater than our own.
Written by
Kingdom Factor Coach helping leaders build high-performing, faith-driven teams through leadership, self-awareness, and team dynamics coaching.
Interview with
Founder/CEO at Looking Glass Guitar Co.
Bartlett, TN
More articles in Faith in Business
Faith in BusinessWhen a surprise job loss forced media director Sherry Nossaman to choose between security and obedience, she couldn't have imagined that God was about to hand her three clients in one week — and create an advertising agency she never dreamed of owning.

Faith in BusinessAfter losing his brother to a drunk driver, Rudy Ortiz walked away from faith for nearly a decade. Today, he helps business leaders worldwide integrate biblical principles into every facet of operations—from hiring to strategy to customer service.

Faith in BusinessAlan Gardner runs a company that takes on Fortune 20 giants to fix what's broken in healthcare. But his toughest decisions weren't about business—they were about life, death, and where to find peace when every option feels impossible.

Join our community of faith-driven leaders and share how God is working in your business.
Get Started