As Believers in Jesus, it is sometimes really difficult to discover what it looks like to be the hands and feet of Jesus within our industry and have an excellent business. Some cater only to other Believers, but that is very limiting and not what I think God means by being salt and light in the world.
At the same time, do we feel like we have to blatantly preach the gospel to everyone we do business with? No. That alienates people quickly.
I confess I often confuse myself by thinking that ministry and business are different. They certainly seem to operate differently. Should I openly talk about Jesus in my business for it to validate me as a Christian? Do I state upfront that I have a Christian business? Or is it just a business? (I think of it this way: I operate a business and I happen to be a Believer!)
Kingdom business IS ministry and any ministry should be operated as a successful business.
I have a vintage typewriter business plus I do other client work such as writing and minor social media on the side. Do I preach to my customers and clients? No. But I am doing my best to be excellent in business. That creates opportunities to interact with people on a more personal level. Sometimes I influence people and don't even know it until much later. I've had times when clients or vendors, during a business call, will mention something personal or ask me to pray for them because they know I'm a Christian.
I never specifically announce it. I just live like Jesus and I've learned to get up in the morning and say, "Jesus, I invite you into my business today. Holy Spirit, I invite you to give me the wisdom I need in my business."
I don't do it perfectly and some days I have less than a stellar day and think, "Oh, Jesus, I didn't represent You well today. I'm so sorry."
However, since I've literally been inviting Jesus into my day (yes, I say it outloud), those days are becoming less frequent. I pray that my moments of not representing Him well will fall to the ground and not bear fruit.
At least it's the place to start: inviting Jesus into our business and the Holy Spirit to guide us. Out of that, we will naturally shine with the glory of God in all that we do.
Amen.
I've been away for some time. Major changes. Launched a new business (www.paolalane.com), lots of personal growth...now I'm ready to connect with other Kingdom entrepreneurs for a mastermind/mentoring group. The Locals platform is where this will be hosted.
If you are a business owner that is looking to improve your business skills while first being rooted and grounded in the things of the Kingdom of God and desire to fine tune your ear and heart to the voice of the Father, then reach out.
This group will be free at this time but limited to 5 participants. I will act as a FACILITATOR - not an instructor. The goal is for everyone to contribute and learn from each other.
Email me at [email protected] if interested.
I'm a very introspective person. Even the littlest things I encounter in my day cause me to ponder and think deeply. This can be a drain on my emotions. The Psalms of King David are so relatable to me because one day I can be standing firm, confident, and shouting the praises of God, and the next day wondering why I'm even living - but I also come back to I praise God anyway in the midst of my darkest questions.
Mondays are intended to be reserved for study of the Word and time in His Presence. But my best intentions often get bushed back with pending issues with the business. Yet this morning, I was determined to reclaim my Mondays, and as I sit here with my Bible, pen, and paper - a thought fluttered by about all the work I could be doing and I quickly swatted it down because I NEED THIS DAY TO BE A BETTER ME. I need this day to do business better, to interact with family, friends, and customers with grace and mercy.
How profoundly it hit me that to care for our spirit and soul is of ...
