The Four Stages of a Leader’s Spiritual Growth

I know a gentleman who runs a major division of a global firm. He is super-successful, has a wonderful family, and is faithful to his church. By all appearances, he models Christian maturity. But when I asked him to get involved in a discussion group promoting spiritual growth among business leaders, he turned me down flat.

“Stan doesn’t ‘do’ small group discussions,” his wife later told me, on the sly. Her voice was lowered to a shushed whisper, as if she might get caught giving away the goods.

“Oh, that’s okay.” I whispered back in stealthy collusion. “I’m sure he’s following his own unique spiritual journey.”

I certainly didn’t hold it against him. Maybe Stan had a bad experience once with small group vulnerability. Maybe he has trouble articulating his spiritual thoughts in public.

Or maybe he is a shallow, spiritually lazy man with no interest in a deeper reflective life.

As I seek out men and women interested in connecting their spiritual lives to their work, the thought occurs to me: Why do some people feel compelled to pursue the inner truth of the greater purpose for their lives, while others seemingly don’t give a rip, content with their car, house and weekend football on TV?

To find out the answer to this provocative question, click here to continue reading over at The High Calling.

Photo by Marco D., used with permission.