Christian Business Builder

In Hebrews 11:6 we are told that, “… without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Then, after this verse, the writer of Hebrews presents a long list of those who did diligently seek the Lord by faith. We know their names, Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Sara, etc.

The thing that is striking to me is that these folks had less to believe than we do (no Bible, no Commentaries, no Preachers/Churches). Yet, because they heard God speak to them, they believed and lived their lives in the full function of that belief system.

Fast forward to the beginning years of the 21st Century. We have greatly advanced in areas of communication, comfort, and knowledge since the days of those mentioned in Hebrews 11. We have had the word of God in print for several hundred years. We can listen to preaching from all over the world at the drop of a hat. Yet, when it comes to a faith that guides the full function of our lives (including our businesses) we seem to be sorely lacking.

Much of the American dream has been perverted by the powerful and unregenerate of our society. Now, let me make it clear, I am a believer in the American dream. I think all people should have the same opportunity to make their lives what they choose it to be. Success is defined in too many ways for anyone to not strive for something.

That being said, I do see that without a strong and abiding faith controlling our business acumen corruption moves in quickly and a “get all you can, can all you get, and sit on the lid” mentality takes over. God’s word tells us clearly that as believers we are to “seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”(Matthew 6:33)

God promises that we can succeed in life as it pleases him if we will live our lives in the fullness of our faith. Faith in God opens every door he wants opened and closes every door contrary to our benefit and his glory. Only when we actively pursue our business by faith will we be able to fully live and glorify God on the earth. (Which is our ultimate purpose anyway!)

So … as you head out to the office in the days to come, ask yourself this question: “Is my business the living out of my faith or is it just something to produce wealth?”

Talk more later ….

In this article series, we are looking at Proverbs 3:5-10. This passage is often used to describe generally the whole of the believer’s life (and rightly so). We are narrowing the focus a bit and looking at how this passage should effect the believer as they follow God’s leadership in their business life.

Today we are going to look at step 2 of the process, “and lean not unto thine own understanding.” Have you ever wondered out loud what was wrong with your own understanding. After all, you might well think. you are a pretty smart person, an entrepreneur, and someone who can surly make it in this world. After all we are taught from the time we are first able to catch a ball, run a race, or swing a bat that “we can do anything we put our minds to.”

So, why would the Holy Spirit inspire Solomon to put such a thought as this into the very pages of God’s word? I think that there are at least three reasons:

1. Man’s understanding, since the fall, has always been corrupted by sin. In Genesis 6:5, God’s word tells us, “And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.”

Now I realize that this verse represents mankind at its most rebellious, but their minds/understanding became more and more evil (corrupt) the more they operated on their own, without a heart that trusted the Lord.

In business, the more we lean on our own understanding rather than having a heart-felt trust of the Lord, the more apt we are to drift from God’s will and be drawn into areas of struggle we are not meant to travel through.

2. God’s thoughts are above our thoughts. In Isaiah 55:8-9 God himself declares, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Given the opportunity to build your business on the limited understanding of man or the limitless understanding of God which would seem to be the best choice?

3. Even after our conversion to Christ, our understanding is still under the attack of Satan and without God’s blessings we will surly fall! (Romans 7:17-23)

Without God we are limited to a humanistic worldview that basically says, “Get all you can, can all you get, and sit on the lid.” The problem with this worldview is that it violates God’s desire for us to spend ourselves in life (and business) to glorify him. His word clearly teaches that if we seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness that he will add to us all the things in life that we need!

So … this week think about your view of business and ask yourself the question, “By whose understanding am I building this business?

Talk more later ….

By the way, as always, your comments are both requested and appreciated!