Put God First: The Transformational Principle Guiding Business and Life

Introduction

In a challenging world constantly vying for our attention, the question of how to navigate business with integrity, purpose, and peace often arises. For Lee Self, Partner at Renaissance Executive Forums of Northern Virginia, the answer is remarkably simple yet profoundly transformative: put God first, and everything else will work itself out.

Lee's business, which brings together 10 to 14 non-competing business owners and CEOs in each confidential peer group, is built on the principles of relationship integrity and the application of wisdom. Lee sees a powerful biblical parallel in her work—much like the disciples in a small group to learn and grow. She does not see herself in that parallel as the 'master,' but rather acts as a 'connector' and a 'trusted facilitator,' drawing individuals into community where they benefit from one another's experiences, challenges, and collective wisdom.

Faithfulness, Truth, and Seeking Wisdom: The Bedrock of Operation

When asked about the biblical principles guiding her daily operations, Lee emphasizes faithfulness and commitment. "I'm personally committed to making the Forum a valuable experience. We are here for you," she states, highlighting the continuous nature of their support. Integrity, trustworthiness, and above all, truth, are paramount. This isn't just about factual accuracy but about a deeper, sometimes more uncomfortable truth—the truth about who we are.

"Each of us, we have a lot more truth to know about ourselves than we have discovered yet," Lee explains. Her Forums create safe environments for members to uncover these truths, share them openly, and grow. This pursuit of self-knowledge and wisdom is a core motivator for her members, who are often lifelong learners hungry to improve and iterate.

The Golden Rule in Action: 'Do Unto Others' in Business Decisions

Beyond the group dynamics, Lee's personal business philosophy is deeply rooted in the Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." This principle informs every decision, from financial matters to member selection. It translates into honesty, fairness, and a refusal to cut corners, whether with the IRS, members, or her franchisor. "It's not worth it," she asserts, underscoring the long-term value of ethical conduct.

Lee recalls specific instances where this principle guided her through uncomfortable situations. One example involves prospective members who might not be a good fit for a group, perhaps due to competitive concerns or personality clashes. While the desire to "just get them in the group" exists, Lee prioritizes the well-being of the existing members and the prospective member, ensuring a fit that fosters genuine growth rather than friction. This often means having difficult but necessary conversations, but it is well worth it.

Generosity and Provision: A Testament to Faith

Lee openly shares that she didn't enter this business with the primary goal of accumulating wealth. Her motivations were to support her family, pay the bills, and maintain flexibility. Yet, God's provision has been constant and reliable, enabling her to be generous with her time and resources to various ministries. "It never felt like, oh, wow, look at me, I just made a pile of money, I need to go find a place to give. Never felt to me like I had extra money, but for some reason there always has been enough," she reflects.

This consistent provision, even through lean years and personal loss, has profoundly built her faith. "I always find a way to worry... But my worries always bring me right back to the Lord because... God always provides," she says. This unwavering trust in divine provision is a powerful testament to living a faith-first life.

The Overriding Answer: Putting God First

Lee's ultimate encouragement for other Christian business leaders is a reiteration of her core belief: "When we put God first, I don't care if it's in our marriage or our family or our work or anything else in our lives, we put God first. It seems to me that then things fall into place. Maybe not easily, but we put God first, things can sort themselves out. Things are manageable. Of course I’ve learned this lesson the hard way…I didn’t always put God first.  But thanks to His mercy and grace, I was able to learn from my mistakes and am committed now to doing it His way.”

She cautions against prioritizing anything else, as it leads to unmanageability and disorder. This isn't a one-time decision but a daily commitment. Even with a ferocious to-do list, Lee finds peace and order when God is at the helm. "When I put him first, that list always takes care of itself. Every single day, it works itself out."

Lee Self's journey is a powerful illustration of how integrating faith into every aspect of business, from decision-making to financial management, not only leads to ethical and compassionate leadership but also to a life of peace, provision, and profound purpose. Her story reminds us that when we truly put God first, we open the door for Him to manage our lives and businesses, bringing order and transformation to everything we touch.