Have you ever tried to reconcile your Christian faith with the way you run your business? Have you always been taught to keep faith and business separate? Are you trying to determine God’s purpose for your life?
If you can say yes to any of these questions, then this series is for you!
This post is the first of five posts in a series that will show you why you should run your business according to your Christian faith.
Anytime we want to determine the heart of God, the first place to start is with His Word. If He has already said it, then we are in no position to question it.
The Great Commission
After Jesus was crucified and resurrected, He appeared to the disciples. Just before ascending into heaven, Jesus gave them their marching orders through what is called the Great Commission below. I believe these are our marching orders as well.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all I have commanded you. And I will be with you always, even to the end of the earth. – Matthew 28:19-20
We are all, as Christians, commanded to go to the nations and make disciples. This is not a suggestion or a request. It is a command. This does not mean that we are all to sell our possessions and move overseas to be missionaries. There are plenty of opportunities to make disciples right here where we are. We just have to look around.
Barna Research
According to a recent survey by George Barna and his research group, almost 40% of American adults are classified as “unchurched,” meaning they have not attended a conventional church more than once in the past year. Even worse, only 15% of adults surveyed considered their faith in God as their top priority in life! It appears the field is ripe for making disciples right where we are!
For typical business leaders, most of our time is allocated to our work. We carve out some for family and leave a little left over for church on Sunday. While some business leaders may buck this trend, they are in the minority. That being the case, does it not make sense to fulfill the Great Commission exactly where we spend most of our time – in our business?
What better way for us as business leaders to reach those people (customers and employees) than through our business? If we exercise and example our love for God through the way we run our business, maybe we can connect with them in a way (and in an environment) they have not found in a church.
Have you considered your responsibility to make disciples?
Do you see opportunity in your business to impact others in this way?
What are your obstacles to doing this?
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