Merger of “Equals.”   Lord, I understand that there is no such thing as a merger of equals.    One organization is ordinarily more powerful, successful, connected or well-regarded than the other.   I know from experience that merged groups feel pain, disorientation and fear.   “Did we not buy them.   They’ll just have to fit.”   I have heard that.   We know such a posture is counterproductive because although we can buy assets we cannot “buy” people.  Yet, we are reluctant to be equals.   We cling to our history, culture and myths.

How can I lead this merger?    Can I not elicit common values that we all can share, exhibit and to which we can aspire?  Enlighten us to find standards that we can follow together to bring along as many as we can.

How can I handle those who worry that they will be “synergies” and shown the door?   There are lots of reasons why I want to help them.   They are human beings like me and there but for the grace of God, go I.   Insecurity is paralyzing at work and at home.   I want them to want to come to work engaged whether they are likely to stay or leave.   I don’t want people to feel survivors’ guilt and grief if they stay and their colleagues leave.   Do I have the resources to let people feel that they will be cared for in all eventualities?   What does that do to the timing of the “synergies” and to investor concerns about the profitability of this acquisition? “Lord, I need to be reflective.  I need to make good choices based on the best information — not just in this transaction but within the confines of my role.   In this and in other circumstances, can I be impartial? I need to be “saved by Wisdom.”    Send your spirit to be in me and all of us, so that fairness and equity shall be transparent for all stakeholders.   Maybe no one will be happy, but hopefully all will have been treated justly.

What would Solomon do Lord?

Wisdom, according to Solomon is something to be sought persistently, not just when we have a merger or a conundrum.

Section 2, Scripture: Wisdom 9:1-18; Colossians 3:8-17

Hebrew Scripture

New Testament

O God of my fathers and Lord of mercy, who hast made all things by thy word, 2 and by thy wisdom hast formed man, to have dominion over the creatures thou hast made, 3 and rule the world in holiness and righteousness, and pronounce judgment in uprightness of soul, 4 give me the wisdom that sits by thy throne, and do not reject me from among thy servants. 5 For I am thy slave and the son of thy maidservant, a man who is weak and short-lived, with little understanding of judgment and laws; 6 for even if one is perfect among the sons of men, yet without the wisdom that comes from thee he will be regarded as nothing. 7 Thou hast chosen me to be king of thy people and to be judge over thy sons and daughters. 8 Thou hast given command to build a temple on thy holy mountain, and an altar in the city of thy habitation, a copy of the holy tent which thou didst prepare from the beginning. 9 With thee is wisdom, who knows thy works and was present when thou didst make the world, and who understands what is pleasing in thy sight and what is right according to thy commandments. 10 Send her forth from the holy heavens, and from the throne of thy glory send her, that she may be with me and toil, and that I may learn what is pleasing to thee. 11 For she knows and understands all things, and she will guide me wisely in my actions and guard me with her glory. 12 Then my works will be acceptable, and I shall judge thy people justly, and shall be worthy of the throne[a] of my father. 13 For what man can learn the counsel of God? Or who can discern what the Lord wills? 14 For the reasoning of mortals is worthless, and our designs are likely to fail, 15 for a perishable body weighs down the soul, and this earthy tent burdens the thoughtful[b] mind. 16 We can hardly guess at what is on earth, and what is at hand we find with labor; but who has traced out what is in the heavens? 17 Who has learned thy counsel, unless thou hast given wisdom and sent thy holy Spirit from on high? 18 And thus the paths of those on earth were set right, and men were taught what pleases thee, and were saved by wisdom.” Revised Standard Version Wisdom 9:1-18

Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you know how you should respond to each one. Colossians 4:5-6 But now you must put them all away: anger, fury, malice, slander, and obscene language out of your mouths. 9 Stop lying to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed, for knowledge, in the image of its creator. 11 Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all and in all. 12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do. 14 And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:8-17

Section 3
You may wish to be silent for a few minutes.

Section 4
Offer prayer in your own words speaking to God who is for us, with us and in us.