1. Define Business Biblically
Business – 1. Deputyship; ministry; generally employment or work; 2. Speed, eagerness, earnestness;
There are hundreds of ways to look at or define “business”. If we are to be successful in life as Christians, we need to define everything in our life according to the Bible. Business is not just a name or a place, but it is a huge part of our life. Even a self-defining part of our life. At a certain time in history, people were named for their profession. Thatcher was the roof-thatching family, Smith was the blacksmith’s family, Carter, Tailor, Hayward, Baker, Fisher, and on we could go. Know that what we generally give ourselves to defines what is considered our “business”. If we want it to change, we need only change what we employ ourselves in earnestly.
2. Conduct Business Diligently
Proverbs 22:29 “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.”
Talent will only take a person so far. We need to diligently work if we are to achieve any amount of success. The blessing of work is that work has no prejudice. Work does not care if you are rich or poor, young or old, or even what you look like. People who faithfully work hard will find themselves around the people who will reward them properly. The Bible word “mean” is interpreted as “dark” or “obscure.”
3. Drive Business Wisely
Ecclesiastes 5:3 “For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool’s voice is known by multitude of words.”
People get big ideas by working. Colonel Sanders owned a small gas station in the middle of nowhere before his name was known. He was trying everything he could to increase his profit margins when he decided to start cooking chicken. People flocked to eat the delicious poultry, but Sanders just could not cook the chicken fast enough. This is what led to the invention of the pressure cooker by Sanders himself. The genius, the dream, and the franchise did not come from talk but from hard work. Remember that words are associated with foolishness, and visionary dreams are associated with work.
4. Decide Business Vertically
Romans 12:11 “Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;”
It does not matter if we are a full-time Christian servant, or if our business is earthly. All business should be conducted fervently, serving the Lord. Anything we do as Christians (do not read as “preachers”) should be done for the glory of God and heartily as to the Lord. Many business owners can personally testify that God increased their business and their profits. God will not bless a filthy idea or work. God is not in the business of alcohol, fornication, or gluttony (cigarettes, drugs, or illegal activities). Everything else can be done fervently, serving the Lord. There are Christian pizza restaurants that donate pizza for work days. There are Christian contractors that donate their time and experience for building projects. We should include the Lord in all our business decisions.
5. Correct Business Responsibility
1 Thessalonians 4:11 “And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;”
The most important principle to keep in mind in our business is to take personal responsibility for it. We do not have the time to worry about another person’s business. Their business is their business. Most problems pop up when we stick our nose into someone else’s business. Be quiet – No one needs to hears our opinion on their business. Do Your Own Business – We have enough to do personally. Work with your own hands – We may be blessed with helping hands through our life, but never count on it. We need to do our own business with our own hands. It will definitely steer us from trouble.
Pastor Jesse McCammon
Calvary Baptist Church | Flora, IL
