I must confess, I watch a reality TV show. Can you guess which one? If you guessed The Apprentice you'd be right. One reason I watch the show is that it packs quite a few lessons on business management into its one-hour slot every week. I've been interested in the field of business since I was a kid, so this show has huge appeal to me. I guess I was the Alex P. Keaton of my family.
The reality is - "reality shows" are anything but realistic. Survivor was the first reality show I ever watched. I was quickly disappointed when it became apparent the show was not about surviving, but rather forming alliances and whining and complaining. I didn't watch that show for very long.
I think that's why I like The Apprentice. You see real people competing against each other, and the "alliances" made so popular by Survivor don't live long in the boardroom. The Apprentice still has some of the backbiting and complaining that I don't care for, but it's not the purpose of the show. The purpose of the show is to have teams compete against each other while looking for ways to make the most profitable business.
One particularly fascinating aspect of the show for me is "The Donald" himself. Now, don't mistake my fascination for adoration. I'm just very interested in the way this man behaves. I laugh each week as he informs the teams (and the 30 million viewers) that he is the best, and that everything he has always has to be the biggest and best.
Though I may not agree with Donald Trump's way of doing business, it's hard to argue with the financial results. Based on numbers alone, the "Trump Way" of doing business makes a lot of sense. Based on the Bible, however, it makes little sense. Take a look at the parable in Luke of the rich, young man building bigger barns:
"A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. In fact, his barns were full to overflowing. So he said, 'I know! I'll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I'll have room enough to store everything. And I'll sit back and say to myself,' My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!' But God said to him, 'You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get it all?' Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God." (12:16 - 21)
When I read that parable, Donald Trump immediately comes to mind. His life is defined by his wealth accumulation. But Jesus makes it clear here -- you are a fool if you store up earthly wealth, but don't have a rich relationship with God.
Lest I be accused of attacking Donald Trump, he is not the only person I've seen with this attitude. The truth is, many of us are driven by our material possessions. As a financial planner, I have met with thousands of individuals and families over the years, and I've found that one thing we all have in common is an element of materialism within us. Yet the Bible is clear that materialism has no place in our lives.
