Special Feature
Brought to you by: Community Partner Convene, www.convenenow.com
Imagine thisβ¦ next Monday morning when you show up at work, Jesus is waiting in your office and asks you for a tour. First, He looks at your calendar, then your financial statements. Then you show Him around your entire operation. What would He see that would show Him that Heβs the real Owner of the business? What would show Him that you understand His purposes and are seeking to accomplish them? God has many purposes for your business, some of which apply to all His businesses and some which are unique to yours. Here are four to consider:Β
1. Working as Worship to God: We work as worship when we trust and seek to enjoy God throughout our workday, let Him live through us, and seek to honor Him in our actions. Colossians 3:23 says, βAs followers of Christ, weβre to work hard and cheerfully at whatever we do, as though weβre working for the Lord rather than for people.β One practical way to work as worship unto God is to view each problem or decision as an opportunity. Ask, βGod, how can you get honor through this?β Then listen and obey. We can be joyful always, pray continually and give thanks in all circumstances when we abide in Christ and let Him live through us.
2. Reflecting Godβs Character: God wants us to reflect His character in our lives, including business. As we get to know God better, and our lives are transformed by His love and work within us, itβs easier to reflect His character. Luke 6:45 tells us βThe good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.βΒ
3. Recognizing Business is Ministry: Christian entrepreneurs need to appreciate that their business is their primary ministry outside of their family. We need to serve and care for people through Godβs business to fulfill His purposes. The primary way we minister through our business is by loving and serving people in the name of Jesus. This is what Jesus modeled for us and commanded in Matthew 22:39, βAnd the second [commandment] is like it: βLove your neighbor as yourself.ββ
4. Growing Profitably through Excellence: As Christians, we should never settle for mediocrity in business. As Godβs representatives, we need to pursue and operate our businesses with excellence, so the world sees the quality of our products, services, people, and processesβ and wonders why we serve them so well. Matthew 5:16 says, βIn the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.β
Discovering Godβs Unique Purposes for Your Business: God has a unique plan for the business Heβs entrusted to you. It takes into account your strengths, passions, personality and experiences-as well as the type of business, the people you interact with, your products and/or services, and the assets at your disposal. His purposes for your business all fit within the grand purposes explained above, but theyβre unique and custom-tailored to you and your business. While it may be uncomfortable to consider going after Godβs unique plan for your business, thatβs where youβll find amazing joy, passion and purpose! Remember Ephesians 3:20, βNow glory be to God, who by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream ofβinfinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes.β
-Community Partner, Convene 
Local Chair, Harris Wheeler
205-936-7038
