One day we will answer for to God our actions and stewardship of what He has provided us. This world and its customs and practices tend to teach us that business is separate from faith, because it is “worldly” and centered on “making money.” All too often we read news stories discussing the evils of big business, capitalism and profit. Business is portrayed as the enemy of “good”… but that is so wrong.

Doing business is about serving others well. If we serve our customers they are willing to pay a fair price for the good, service or technology that we provide. When we serve our customers and they value what we provide, money becomes the medium of exchange. Each of us, whether we own our own businesses or work for someone else, are “in business,” meaning that we transact and exchange value. We can even accumulate money if we are doing well at serving others.

The accumulation of wealth is not evil as long as that wealth and wanting more of it doesn’t become our god (an idol to be worshipped) and come between our relationship with God. Everything we have comes from God. It is His. At any moment it can all be taken away. Remember Job? He was blessed by the Lord and Satan asked to test him … and test him he did. Job lost all that he had, the least of which was his wealth. But Job remained faithful to God. Job says in Job 2:10,

“But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips.”

If things are not going as you would like, if your business is struggling and your faith is weakening, then it’s time to put your life and business under new management. Committing your business and actions in it to God will change how you see and do things. Your priorities will shift to serving the customer and providing value when you begin to focus on the relationships within and outside of your business. Yes, budgets and plans are still important. You need to know your direction and your purpose. But how you execute and deal with the opportunities and obstacles will change with God by your side minding His business.

Proverbs 16:9
A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.

 

Author:  Lea A. Strickland, MBA CMA CFM CBM GMC
Copyright ©2012 Lea A. Strickland
All Rights Reserved

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