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February 2008: Volume One, Number Two Welcome to Believers in America®. This month’s issue features an interview with Roger Dean, Chairman of the Board, Atlanta Computer Sales, Inc. Take a few minutes to get to know one of God's workplace servants as he presents his take on "God's Salt and Light Program." God's Salt & Light Program Question: Roger, to begin with, could you share with us the vision and purpose of ACS? The ACS of today has a different purpose and vision than it did 22 years ago when we first started as third part IBM Resellers. Our goal has always been to listen to our customers and the industry and move our focus to the point of the greatest need. Today, that need is centered around Medical Mobility Products. However, as our corporate slogan states, our purpose is: “Helping people find solutions through technology…” No matter how vast your product knowledge or how unique the solution, making another person’s job easier is what drives our business relationships. Question: Do you operate ACS according to Biblical principles? Could you give specific examples of how that impacts your organization? The ACS leadership team, all very active believers, has never once discussed “Biblical Principles." Living from the Spirit is effortless: no questioning decisions, no looking over our shoulder asking, “What would Jesus do?”. Our company, as well as our individual lives, focus on celebrating the blessing and goodness that God has showered all of us with at ACS. We love to tell anyone who will listen “How Great is Our God!” Question: Can you point to a couple of examples of how those principles have served you and your company well during tough times? One of my chief complaints of the traditional Christian “church” today is that the focus of life has become “getting it right” by observing a Biblical Check List. The constant awareness that the Spirit of God lives in me and that He is working all things (good times and bad times) together for His Glory has sustained all of us at ACS. QUESTION: Roger, earlier you mentioned your company's slogan. Can you elaborate on its meaning? Making another person’s job easier is what drives our business relationships. But, there is another belief that guides our daily working relationships: Every person is a “Gift” (not just has gifts, but IS A GIFT!). Do everyone’s abilities match up with the job requirements? No! But I do believe every person at ACS knows that the leadership cares personally about him or her. QUESTION: How has your faith affected your career? When I was young and my chosen profession was falling apart I used to fuss at the Lord, saying, “Your word says, ‘Delight yourself in the Lord and He shall give you the desires of your heart.'" I told the Lord that He HAD A PROBLEM! “Lord, you know I have delighted myself in You and yet You have not given ME the desires of MY heart. Either change MY desires or fulfill them!” God knows our frustration and our heart, so I believe that He took my attitude in stride. The truth is, He changed the desire of my heart and what He chose has been so wonderful that it is beyond my imagination. Today, instead of saying I’m not getting to do what I want to do, I simply say, “Show me the next door You want me to walk through!” As a result, I sleep better at night. My career is all about what He wants…. QUESTION: How can other workplace believers get involved in being “Salt & Light”? God’s Salt and Light Program: The wind blows where it will and you hear the sound of it; but you do not know from where it comes or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit. ”Jesus also told the disciple that when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you shall be my witnesses…" Again, I have never thought once about whether I am being “Salt and Light,” I just live in the moment He has set before me, watching in amazement what He does in and through my earth suit. The world has often evaluated my decision negatively, but that’s okay; I’m not living according to the world. QUESTION: As a leader, I often find myself learning more from the mistakes and challenges in my life rather than the successes. Can you share some of the mistakes or big challenges that you have faced and how you overcame those? Benjamin Franklin said, “Experience keeps a dear school, but fools will learn in no other.” I have a Graduate Degree in RUNNING AHEAD OF THE LORD. I had a friend once pray, “Lord, I’d tell You what I want You to do, if I only knew!" I’ve been there. Brokenness is a place God wants me to live, totally relying on His plans, will, ability and strength. My “mistakes” have been His “on purpose” events to bring me to a position of daily bankruptcy, personally and professionally. For example, QUESTION: How do you want to be remembered, both personally and professionally? Personally…professionally… they are one in the same! What you see is what you get… Epitaphs are for tomb stones: mine should simply read: 1 Corinthians 2:9, “However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him". QUESTION: If you could live your life over again, what two things would you do differently? Good question! I was 19 years old and asked my Grand Daddy (in failing health) the same question. He had been a color printing press operator when color first hit the marketplace. He made real good money. Here’s what he said, “Roger, My Grand Daddy died a broken and regretful man clinging only to the love of Jesus for sinners. I wish I had known about the Grace of God then. I would have told him that nothing he had ever done would make the Lord love him less and nothing he could have ever done would make the Lord love him more! As the Psalmist observed, the Lord has written every word of our life before it was ever spoken. If that were true, then there would never be a need for a “retake” or a “let me try and do better this time." Wow, what freedom! __________________________________________________________________________________________ Believers in America® Believers in America® is committed to offering exciting and uplifting real life testimonials from various individuals who have successfully incorporated their faith into their workplace environments and is an answer to a calling that has filled my heart as a Christian entrepreneur. This WebMag endeavors to provide tips, encouragement and support for those experiencing a similar desire to "live their faith" at work. If you would like to continue receiving our FREE monthly WebMag or would like more information regarding Believers in America®, please visit our website to submit your input or request. If this information has blessed or encouraged you, please consider forwarding our website address to a friend or business associate. In so doing, you are helping others to understand and live out the high calling in today’s workplace. __________________________________________________________________________________________ Bill Weaver, President Established in 1976, Weaver Associates is a graphic design and creative development studio based in the metro Atlanta area. Our mission is to provide innovative solutions for clients relying on technology to grow their businesses. Our clean approach to our clients’ design challenges has been integral to their success throughout the years. Mr. Weaver also serves as President and Founder of Believers in America®. |
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