Author: David Atchison

20 Oct

Posted at 20:41h in Uncategorized

Over the last couple of years, I have yet to come across many marketplace workers who are not weary–bordering on exhaustion–from the pace and demands of their business. The old statement, “It’s a jungle out there” feels quite current today. That reminds me of a story I’ve retold over the years.In the deep jungles of Africa, a traveler set out on a long trip. He had high hopes for a speedy journey, accompanied by the nationals he hired to carry his heavy cargo. One the first day they traveled very far and very quickly. But the second morning, the men refused to move, just sat as though in deep thought. When asked about this strange behavior, they said that they had gone too fast the...

14 Oct

Posted at 12:30h in Uncategorized

I have heard that statement quoted my entire life–that Christians live in the world, but are not of the world. John 17:1-26 records the great prayer of Jesus the night before He went to the cross. His disciples were gathered around Him but Jesus’ prayer also included all the generations of believers that would follow after them. “In the world, but not of the world” . . . it sounds like it might be a slogan branding a Christian campaign. Actually it’s “stitched together” from four verses: “11 And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you . . . 14 I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because...

06 Oct

Posted at 14:08h in Uncategorized

Attention all architects, engineers, contractors and developers! Time to get out your calculators to evaluate the scope of two very important projects. Our first site is located in Jerusalem. It’s a very significant development—the original Temple built by King Solomon of Israel. The specs are detailed in the blueprints found in I Kings 5 and 6 of the Bible. The structure was 60 cubits long, 20 cubits wide and 30 cubits high. (Note: the long cubit was about 19.8 to 20.6 inches) Also note the project schedule of 7 years to complete the temple (1 Kings 6:38) Our second site is also located in Jerusalem. It is Solomon’s palace and adjacent halls. The schedule and specs are in 1 Kings 7. The structure was 100...

29 Sep

Posted at 10:56h in Uncategorized

Several years ago I was in the middle of the largest real estate transaction I had ever been involved in. The whole process took more than two years. I was representing a long-time client and property they had owned for over 100 years. We were under contract with a group for over $120 million and we had reached a major crossroad. The buyer was being asked to risk an additional $2 million of earnest money on top of what was already submitted. I was working very closely with the buyer while also trying to help my client navigate a very complicated process. It was mid-afternoon and the deadline was hours away . . . Despite working very hard to navigate communications with both parties, the tension...

22 Sep

Posted at 07:40h in Uncategorized

I have worked in the commercial real estate business for over 40 years. I love my work and my industry. I have tried to do business from the vantage point that I am serving under the Heavenly Father’s gaze. Colossians 3:23 has always meant something to me—”Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” This perspective has aided me throughout my career. While I am not always as conscious of the Lord as my “employer” as I desire to be, I really do want Him to be magnified through my business and my company. Several years ago, I began pursuing a deeper understanding of the theology of Business. I wondered, “Does God have a purpose for Business itself, or only for...

15 Sep

Posted at 15:48h in Uncategorized

God’s power and creativity are incomparable and limitless. The first two chapters of Genesis summarize the beginning of Everything. From nothing, He created Earth, within a vast Universe. He spoke into existence the Sequoias, the Vaquita and the Middlemist Red (the most unusual, rare trees, animals, flowers). And ultimately, God designed Humankind, both male and female, to bear His inconceivable image. Amazing, right? Afterward, God planted a Garden and put Adam and Eve to work in it (Genesis 2:8). He charged them to oversee and cultivate it under His personal care. Now, before we move on we must consider a very significant question: Why didn’t God finish the Garden himself? How is that relevant for us today? The answer will help unfold God’s creative purposes for...

08 Sep

Posted at 06:47h in Uncategorized

I imagine that many of you have heard about three bricklayers who were asked a simple but important question, “What are you doing?” The first bricklayer responded, “I’m setting a brick.” The second bricklayer answered, “I’m making a wall.” The third bricklayer looked up and exclaimed, “I’m building a cathedral!” I find it fascinating that all three bricklayers were doing the same work– laying bricks. The first bricklayer was simply doing the next thing. Like him, a whole lot of our daily work boils down to doing the next task. Nothing wrong with that—doing the next thing is important! The second bricklayer could step back a bit and see a bigger picture. He was not just setting a brick–he was building a wall. A...

10 Apr

Posted at 19:38h in Uncategorized

Is it possible to simultaneously be culturally “hip” and a faithful Christian, or does “fitting in” with the culture compromise essential beliefs? In different Christian circles this can be a controversial question. I still remember an issue of Christianity Today several years ago that asked, “Can Christianity Be Cool?” While vocational ministers may debate the answer, you and I are living with the tension. Like it or not, Christians must learn to function effectively in a culturally saturated workplace. This is not a new dilemma. Jesus addressed it in a prayer over His disciples shortly before his death (John 17:1-26). From this passage is synthesized the often, overused phrase “in the world, but not of it.” We should take care about quoting the...

20 Mar

Posted at 16:19h in Uncategorized

Have you considered the power of words? Not just the power of words in general, but the impact that words bring to bear on your world? The marketplace is full of words. Bosses pass on the workload, employees converse with one another, sales-people make their pitches, the media informs and advertises, etc. Words are some of the most powerful tools we bring to work. They can energize, inspire, convince, teach, and rally us to accomplish great things . . . or they can destroy, deflate, discourage, and deceive, leading to negative results. How are you employing words these days? Proverbs 12:18 contrasted how words can build up or tear down. "There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, but the tongue...

07 Feb

Posted at 02:38h in Uncategorized

Our faith changes our motives, but not necessarily our methods. Imagine two business leaders walking into a meeting. One is a follower of Christ, and the other is not. If these individuals are effective at their craft, they will probably present themselves in a similar manner. They will both be prepared and well informed about the market and their product or service. They will both pitch for the business with a compelling value proposition and will convey passion and conviction about their desire to meet the client’s needs. They will both draw on the best practices they have learned from their training and experience. However, there will be a difference . . . at least there should be. In 2 Corinthians 4:18 Paul called followers of Christ...