February 20, 2021 | St. John’s, Antigua | Krista Moore
Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic has precipitated numerous job losses. Many individuals have been forced to consider entrepreneurial ventures to provide for their families. Whether the business is new or has been in existence for years, one thing that remains true is that the Christian entrepreneur has an important role to play in today’s society. This role is usually defined by making money, but for the Christian, the emphasis should be on representing God and serving others. Biblical Principles for the Christian Entrepreneur is a two-part discussion about the principles that guides the Christian entrepreneur and places him/her in the optimal position for success.
In Exodus 4:10 -11, God commissioned Moses, the Israelite leader, to undertake a certain task. Moses felt ill equipped to handle the job, but God responded to him by giving him the assurance that He, God, has provided everything needed to complete the task. All that Moses needed to do was to step out in faith.
This discourse will highlight seven biblical principles every Christian entrepreneur should consider as a reminder that entrepreneurship is a partnership between himself and God. Part one of this discussion will present four of the seven principles.
1. God Should Be First
True wisdom comes from God. In James 1:5, the Bible encourages us with these words, “If any of you lack wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” For the entrepreneur, prayer should begin each day, asking God for wisdom to make the business not only successful in the eyes of man but bring honor and glory to God.
Putting God first, also means that the entrepreneur will honor God by returning a faithful tithe and offering. Malachi 3:10 -11 says, “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house, and prove me now, If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it”. When the entrepreneur acknowledges God as the only provider, then out of obedience and a thankful heart, tithes and a faithful offering will be returned to His storehouse.
2. Understand You are a Steward and Not the Owner
The story of Joseph found in Genesis 39:4-6, illustrates how a steward functions. In this story, Potiphar placed Joseph in charge of his household and everything else that he owned. As the steward, Joseph was able to eat well, dress well, but Joseph never lost sight of the fact that while he enjoyed the benefits of his stewardship, everything belonged to Potiphar and not him. Likewise, there is only one owner of the heaven and the earth. That owner is God and we are merely stewards of it. The entrepreneur should never forget that he/she is working in God’s business and handling God’s money.
Because the entrepreneur is a steward and not the owner, God must be faithfully represented in the business. In 2 Corinthians 5:20, the Bible says we are ambassadors for Christ. The world should never be given any reason to speak ill of God because of the entrepreneur’s actions, attitudes or interactions with clients and business affiliates.
3. Trust God
Entrepreneurship is an activity that requires risk taking, and uncertainty often causes individuals to worry. In Proverbs 3:5, the Christian is admonished to “Trust God with all our heart and not to trust our own understanding”. The Lord desires for us to trust Him in everything, our businesses included. Christian entrepreneurs should depend on God for guidance, should have the faith that when they pray that God will hear and respond in their best interest. Trusting the processes that God allows us to experience and having faith that He is in charge regardless of the outcome. Trust in God is the key to the success of any business. When we do not trust God in our day-to-day business lives, we are taking the future circumstances out of God’s control and leaving things up to the economic environment to
determine. We must constantly be aware that God has a plan for our business and that God’s plan is always the best plan.
4. Be Diligent
One important consideration is that it is essential for the Christian entrepreneur to practice excellence at all times and in all situations. The apostle Paul wrote in Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, and not for men”. In this passage, Paul was reminding Christian leaders of the higher calling on their lives to be diligent. Diligent individuals are well organized, competent and resourceful. They should make the most of every situation and always look for more efficient ways to do their work. Christians should never be content with doing average work, but endeavor to do all of their work with excellence in a way that honors God.
*Part two of this presentation will feature in next week’s edition of the SLC news.