The Unseen Hand: How Faith Guides a Leader's Journey to True Success

In a world that often measures success by material gain and relentless ambition, Gary Atkins, Director at The Atkins IMPACT Consulting Firm, offers a refreshing and profoundly impactful perspective. For Gary, true success isn't found in the corner office or the biggest contract, but in unwavering obedience to a higher calling, intentional stewardship of family faith, and a commitment to integrity that defies conventional wisdom.

Gary's journey is a testament to the transformative power of faith in the professional sphere. With a background rooted in architectural design and structural engineering, and 18 years as a general contractor, Gary's expertise in the built environment is undeniable. Yet, his most significant career move wasn't a promotion within a large firm, but a leap of faith into entrepreneurship.

"It was a huge faith jump," Gary recounts, reflecting on his decision to leave a long-standing position. Despite hearing God's quiet prompting to move on, he admits to resisting for some time. "I did not listen to that still voice for quite some time." This hesitation, common to many facing significant life changes, eventually gave way to obedience. The transition, though challenging, has been immensely rewarding. "On the other side of that decision, it's been great. I would not take it back. Even despite the ups and downs, the bumps and bruises, the learning curve, it has been a very rewarding decision."

This experience underscores a core principle Gary lives by: obedience with uncertainty. It's a counter-cultural stance in a society that champions careful planning and calculated risks. For Gary, the 'still small voice' of the Lord became the ultimate guide, even when the path ahead wasn't fully clear.

Faith as the Foundation in Business

Now, as a director at Atkins Impact, Gary's faith is not just a personal belief but a foundational pillar of his business. He and his wife, Shayla, CEO of Atkins Consulting,  have made a conscious decision to prioritize integrity over profit. "Initially, it was all right, we got to generate some revenue, we got to generate money. Bills got to be paid," Gary explains. "But that's not how we feel God wants us to operate our business." This has led to a stringent vetting process for clients, focusing on those who operate with integrity.

"If there's not a foundation of integrity, we just have to move on to the next opportunity," Gary states, acknowledging the difficulty of turning down lucrative contracts. This commitment to ethical practice, even when it means a "hard no," is a direct manifestation of their faith. It's a belief that what God has for them is for them, and that aligning with His principles will ultimately lead to greater, more fulfilling opportunities.

Stewardship of Family and Faith

Beyond business decisions, Gary's entrepreneurial journey has profoundly impacted his personal life, particularly in the stewardship of his family's faith. The freedom afforded by his current role has allowed him to dedicate more time to devotion, prayer, and Bible study. "It really sets the tone for my day," he shares. This intentional growth in his relationship with God has become a cornerstone, helping him navigate challenges with a divine perspective.

Perhaps the most touching aspect of this transformation is Gary's commitment to his family. He candidly discusses how society often pressures individuals to sacrifice family time for career advancement, viewing it as an "unnecessary badge of honor." Gary has actively resisted this, choosing to invest intentionally in his family's spiritual well-being. This led him to institute a weekly family Bible study, a practice he once thought unimaginable.

"One of my daughters, she asked, 'Hey, can we do Bible study tonight?'" Gary recalls, his voice filled with emotion. "That really pulled at my heartstrings and let me know that this is the right thing." This moment of confirmation highlights the profound impact of his choices, demonstrating that true success lies not in worldly accolades but in nurturing a legacy of faith within his home.

Counter-Cultural Success: Redefining Priorities

Gary's story is a powerful reminder that defining success on God's terms, rather than the world's, unlocks a deeper, more meaningful existence. It's about being counter-cultural in the pursuit of success, prioritizing spiritual growth, integrity, and family above all else. For those standing on the precipice of a major faith decision, Gary offers clear advice: "If God is stirring your soul, stirring your spirit to make a change... I would encourage everyone to just do it."

He emphasizes the importance of deepening one's relationship with God through prayer and His Word, not just to make the decision, but to push through it. "What I really value and appreciate is how much closer I've gotten with God and how stronger my faith is." This closeness, he asserts, is the greatest blessing, far outweighing any material gain.

Gary Atkins' life and work serve as a beacon for leaders seeking to integrate their faith seamlessly into their professional and personal lives. His journey illustrates that when we listen to the still small voice, act in obedience, and define success by divine principles, we unlock a path to truly transformative impact, not just for ourselves, but for our families and the world around us.

Action Steps for Your Journey

• Cultivate Intentional Communion: Dedicate consistent time each day for prayer and Bible study to set a spiritual foundation for your decisions.
• Prioritize Integrity: Evaluate your business relationships and opportunities through the lens of integrity, even if it means saying 'no' to short-term gains.
• Steward Your Family's Faith: Actively seek ways to nurture spiritual growth within your family, recognizing it as a primary calling.
• Listen and Obey: Pay attention to the 'still small voice' of God, and be prepared to act in obedience, even when the path is unclear.
• Redefine Success: Challenge worldly definitions of success and embrace a counter-cultural perspective that values spiritual growth and impact over material wealth.