Business Lessons from Passover

Interesting Passover information
Did you know that only about 20% of the Israelites left with Moses? About 80% stayed in Egypt according to Rabbi Daniel Lapin. Before the exodus, about the same percentage actually slaughtered the lamb and put the blood on the doorpost thereby saving their own first born, Fear of offending the Egyptians kept the others from follow through. He also said the Hebrew word for Egypt means “trouble”. He also said that ancient Jewish wisdom says that the waters of the Red Sea didn’t part until the Israelites were up to their necks in the water. So, don’t be afraid to leave your current trouble and step out in faith.

So what can we take away from this as a business person operating in our own time of trouble?

1. Take the first step.
Don't let fear of what is going on around you keep you from doing what needs to be done. In these uncertain times, particularly with the media buzzing 24/7 about the falling sky, its easy to be paralyzed with fear. Don't let it happen. If you study the captains of industry in troubled economic times of past, they moved rather than stayed put when the economy was stressed. Don't be afraid. Interestingly, for you Christian business people, the Christian bible (old and new testament) states to "Fear Not" 365 times. One time for each day of the year.

2. Follow Through.
Once you take that first step in perhaps developing a new service, expanding to a new market or expanding your current offerings, then follow through! Nothing happens if you don't stay the course. And, (pardon the sports metaphor), don't quit on 3rd and goal! Dig down deep and keep focused on where you are going. Most people focus on the event that will turn their situation around and don't follow through to the end state they desire. The event may be a meeting with a highly desired client or winning a bid. The event is just the gateway. The end state (promise land if you will) is the goal. Don't lose sight of the goal.

3. Take action.
Now can you imagine what the Israelites were thinking a that water lapped up on their faces? When we watch Charlton Heston in the 10 Commandments, that Red Sea is parting way before any one's feet are moist. Well, apparently that's not the way it happened. Stepping out in faith to achieve a goal is uncomfortable. Today's business environment is uncomfortable. However, nothing will happen to change the current state of your affairs unless you take action, get into the water and start walking. START WALKING! If there is a God in heaven, (AND THERE IS)the waters will part. If you are uncomfortable you are headed for change. Change is the state of human existence.

Have a blessed Easter and Passover holiday. May the Lord God Jehovah bless you and keep you. Move forward in business and be open to all God has in store for you.