WISDOM FOR BLESSED BUSINESSES

“Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, ‘ENGAGE in BUSINESS until I come’” – Luke 19:13, ESV

The Bible offers WISDOM for BLESSED BUSINESSES: “Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, ‘ENGAGE in BUSINESS until I come’” (Lk.19:13, ESV). A Business is that which busies one; that which engages the time, attention, or effort of a person, as a principal concern or interest. It can be a for-profit or non-profit entity. God is the Eternal Entrepreneur! He wants us to be prosperous, productive and profitable in whatever we do (Psa.1:3).

In Luke 19, the Lord Jesus likened the Kingdom of God to a nobleman’s business venture, which involved the distribution and use of money – “minas.” The parable is not primarily about money, but contains lessons about God-given resources. Jesus did not come into the world for money, but for people. However, God attends to everything that concerns His people – including money. The parable reflects God’s attitude and approach to Business – both the Kingdom and secular business.

Money is a vital resource for advancing God’s Kingdom. Its stewardship reflects spiritual stewardship. Whoever cannot be trusted with worldly wealth cannot be trusted with true riches (Lk.16:11). Like all resources, money is to be invested and increased, not hoarded. God wants to be glorified in our businesses and finances (1Cor.10:31b). Knowing His perspectives to business will help us to make the right decisions. Here are Ten Wisdom Gems – principles for building godly businesses:

“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain” (Psa.127:1 NIV). Unless He builds our business, there’s no guarantee of success.  He must be No. 1 Partner in our business. All godly skills and talents come from Him (Dt.8:18).

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Rom.12:2a NIV). We should be innovative in business, never resting on our successes, but as lifelong learners, renew ourselves constantly.

“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall” (Pro.16:18). We must never let our ego get in the way of doing what's in the best interest of the business. Humility admits limitations and takes full responsibility for fixing the problem.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2Tim.1:7). Fear is the enemy of entrepreneurship. God wants us to go out with His Power, to pursue sound, creative ideas in business.

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it” (Cor. 9:24). Running a business is hard marathon with many stumbling blocks; it is not a sprint. Everyone trips and falls while running, but winners get up faster than others: “For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again” (Pro.24:16a).

“Do not be afraid; only believe” (Mk.5:36b). Whatever happens we must never be afraid; but believe in God and the business idea.

“He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap” (Ecc.11:4). We must be willing to take the initiative and make hard, faith-based decisions in the business.

“Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety” (Pro.11:14). First, we must Plan with God (Pro.16:3; 21:5). Then, it is critical to consult expertise and experience. Our kitchen cabinet of advisors could include: an existing entrepreneur, mentor, lawyer, accountant, and customer.

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1The.5: 16-19). A prayerful life and Attitude of Gratitude are vital for the Christian entrepreneur.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phi.4:13). There will be times in our business when we’ll be stretched beyond what we think is possible. We can do it – through Christ!

As followers of Christ, we can trust God for His favour to rest upon us and our businesses, for them to bloom, blossom, and become shining examples of equity, quality service, and profitability with integrity.