Why are some Christian business people successful whilst others are not? Clearly there is no one reason, however I want to offer an important insight. Over the years I have known many Christian businessman, some very successful, others who struggle on by.
There are two types of successful Christian businessman, there are those doing it God’s way and those who are going their own way. On face value, they are successful, they run profitable businesses and both have no lack of financial resources. But there is a world of difference between them. One has a kingdom mindset and a kingdom impact and depends entirely on God. The other has no impact on the world, and is merely successful because God has blessed them with a strong talent for business.
As a financial planner, I had some very wealth clients. One particular couple were Christians that regularly attended Church each week. They had inherited the family business about 20 years ago, a business that had been profitable and expanded substantially over its 80-year life. With a net worth in excess of $40 million they were wealthy by anyone’s definition. But…..
They had no kingdom vision, no plans for the stewardship of these financial resources, no desire to advance God’s kingdom. Never did the discussion of giving come up, despite my efforts to raise it. It broke my heart. I often wondered what God would say to them. What would he say to me about how I was managing his resources?
Thankfully not all Christians are like this. A few years ago I had the pleasure of meeting a highly successful private equity operator, a faithful Christian man. Here was a man earning more in one year than most people earn in their lifetime. God had blessed him with an amazing ability to buy and build great businesses. He was much more than just an investment banker; he was a man on a mission. He had purchased the facilities and had established a film school to allow Christians to use these resources to create the future of Christian media and change culture. But that was just the beginning. Across the road from the film school he had purchased a coffee shop and hired a Christian lady as the manager. They subsequently hired prostitutes to pull them out of the sex trade and give them a fresh start. As if that wasn’t enough, he’d planted a Church behind the coffee shop.
So, which will you choose?
Think carefully about your choice, because if you have a strong desire to build a kingdom business, then the Devil is not going to be pleased. You will come under attack by Satan’s army and you will meet significant resistance.
You see I believe God has a plan for your business and indeed for your whole life. I believe that it is also probably much bigger than you dream of. Your business can have a transformative impact on the lives
Reflection
Are there any specific areas that God has put on your heart that you are called to do with your business? Fund a new ministry? Help the poor? There may not be just one thing, however it would be wise initially to focus your attention on the one area where you feel most led.
Call to Action
Pray – Ask God what you need to be doing for your business to have a kingdom impact.
Implement – Take action. As they say, life is short, so if God has given you something to do – get to it!