Contracts and Covenants

Yesterday morning I honored my daughter’s wishes and attended the performance of the church bell choir she to which she belongs and loves. At the end of the week I didn’t have any intention of attending services but took one for the team, letting my wife and other daughter stay home to work and study, to hear our oldest daughter play the bells.

When I looked at the bulletin I saw that the homily was to be delivered by a Franciscan Monk. I can’t say that I was excited about the prospect. A number of years ago I spent some time in study of the Franciscan Order hoping to improve the work / family balance in my life. I sincerely admire their Order and mission of personal peace and harmony with the world around us. But after taking a vow of silence and spending two days in a monastery setting without speaking a word I knew that I am not cut out for the Franciscan lifestyle.

Much to my surprise and delight the homily was not only topical and insightful but also uplifting. The jist of his message was examining the difference between the “Contract God” we imagine and the “Covenant God” that spoke to Abraham.

This caused me to think about my own management style and the way in which I deal with people and provide stewardship for my family. Without a doubt I live a contract driven life. I will give or reward you with this, if you are successful in providing that. Get good grades, get a car. Drive revenue and get a promotion, more pay and more recognition. Work hard, save money to your 401K, be prudent with your investments and you will be rewarded with monetary security and someday retirement – oops.

What happened to my contract? Given the recent sub-prime and other implosions the global economy my 401K, as I was reminded during the homily, has been reduced to a 200 1/2K.

The homily went on to describe God’s covenant relationship with Abraham. This is a great story regardless of your religious persuasion. Imagine being a 99 year old guy that God taps on the shoulder and says “time to get started.” But this “mission” wasn’t (according to the Friar’s homily interpretation) a contract to go and build a nation, but rather a covenant of unconditional trust, expectation and hope.

While I it is unlikely I will shift completely away from my contract roots, I hope that I can translate some of this teaching into the way I interact and support my team and family. I have always strived to deliver integrity in my “contracts.” During these uncertain times, I want to find a fitting level of integrity as I set clear expectations, trust in the commitment and abilities of the people we have chosen and trained, and inspire hope for the future.