The Shaping of the Life of Christian Entrepreneurs
/Meeting God in a Management Position/
"Business" is the "meaning of life"!
Since ancient times, we have called doing business "doing business". What is "business"? I think business is "the meaning of life." Broadly speaking, most of us work in the workplace or in shopping malls. We provide services or products in exchange for income to make a living. This is all business, and we are all people who pursue the meaning of life. When the Lord Jesus was twelve years old, he said in the temple: "Don't you know that I should be about my Father's business?" (Luke 2:49) The Lord Jesus also once worked as a carpenter. I believe that He has profound Understand the ups and downs of doing business.
▲The internal ethics code of Costco, a well-known American large-cap market maker, states that doing business must benefit all groups related to the company, not just the company.
The primary purpose of doing business is to glorify God
Some people say that the purpose of doing business is to make money. Yes, doing business must make money, otherwise it will be impossible to take care of employees and provide good products and services to customers. But making money is not the primary purpose of doing business, glorifying God is.
The Lord Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33) He also said, “Seek soberness, that you avoid all evil.” (Matthew 6:33) "Covetousness, for a man's life does not depend on his wealth." (Luke 12:15) "What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own life? What can a man give in exchange for his life?" (Luke 12:15) (Matthew 16:26) The apostle Paul also said: “Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires, which lead to ruin and destruction. The love of money is the root of all evil. ! Some have been led away from the faith by the love of money, and have pierced themselves with many sorrows.” (1 Timothy 6:9-10)
If you just blindly pursue making money, use unscrupulous means, or even harm nature and take advantage of others, you will only arouse the contempt of the world and the anger of both humans and gods.
The life of an entrepreneur reflects his outlook on life
The life of an entrepreneur represents his/her beliefs, values and ethics, which can be seen from his/her character and conduct. His/her life will have a profound impact on his/her business and family. Here are six qualities of a good entrepreneur:
1. Fear God, obey God’s commandments, and glorify God as the primary purpose of life.
2. Leadership and influence on employees’ lives shape corporate culture.
3. His/her business philosophy and management model produce excellent products and services.
4. Donate generously and be charitable. In addition to worshiping God and assisting in holy works, you also help those in need in society.
5. Character and integrity shine even more brightly in fierce competition, demonstrating the way of life.
6. Life affects his children and those close to him, becoming a blessing to others.
How is the life of a Christian entrepreneur shaped?
1. Understand that you are God’s steward
Know that the real ownership of the money you "own" is in the hands of God, and that you are just a steward. You must look to God faithfully, ask the Lord in everything, renew your mind and change it, and understand God's will. As 1 Peter 4:10 says, “Each of you according to the gift you have received, serve one another, being good stewards of God’s manifold gift.” And as Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart. , lean not on your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.”
2. Exercise your body and pursue godliness and holiness
1 Timothy 4:8-9 says, “Physical training is of little benefit, but godliness is beneficial for all things, having promise for this life and the life to come.” Hebrews 12:14 says: “ Pursue peace with all men and pursue holiness; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” These verses point out that practicing godliness is more important than practicing physical fitness, but they do not mean that we should not pay attention to physical health. Practicing godliness is also the pursuit of holiness and is pleasing to God.
▲Tan Shiden's book: "God Owns My Career".
3. Have the determination to set a good example
It is very important to be a role model for others, especially subordinates and children. It can make others know that he is honest and upright, and his words and deeds are consistent and not a hypocrite. Everything he does can glorify the name of God and gain everyone's trust, so he can influence others. , to lead people to the Lord. The following two verses are for reference:
“Be an example to the believers in word, conduct, love, faith, and purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12)
“Do everything without murmuring or quarreling, so that you may be blameless and truthful, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation. You shall appear as lights shining in the midst of this generation, The word of life is revealed” (Philippians 2:12).
4. Donate generously and be charitable, and support gospel ministries.
"He who sows sparingly will reap sparingly, but whoever sows bountifully will reap bountifully. This is true. God has given us to be rich in everything, so we should be willing to give to others, be willing to provide for others, lay up a good foundation for ourselves, prepare for the future, and hold on to the true life." (1 Timothy 6:18-19)
“Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, which said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:35)
“Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21)
Some of the above scriptures point out that we should store up more treasures in heaven and support the gospel ministry more so that others can benefit from the gospel. Christians are also blessed by God because of their generous giving. Entrepreneurs with higher incomes and relatively larger donations will have a greater impact on the kingdom of God and the community.
▲The Good Business Textbook published by Crown Financial Ministries teaches Christians engaged in business how to run their businesses as faithful stewards. Picture taken from crown.org.tw.
Entrepreneurs encounter God at every level in business and family
As mentioned above, a Christian entrepreneur must avoid pride, self-righteousness, and self-reliance; he should walk on God’s path with trembling fear, acknowledge God in everything, and let God guide his way, both in running and managing his business and his own family. Looking to God means meeting God at every level with the mindset of a steward or a servant, renewing and changing your mind, following the Lord and being led by the Lord. Such entrepreneurs will surely please God and be blessed by God.
Author profile Lin Fengliang served as the chairman and CEO of Payless Car Rental System Inc., one of the six largest car rental companies in the United States, from 1989 to 2013. Currently, he is a director of the Christian Messenger Association and is dedicated to the ministry of workplace missions and corporate transformation.