8 Practical Principles to Connect Faith & Business

Do you ever wonder why you have this idea for a business in your head? Is there a dream that you have had ruminating around inside of you for a while? Do you have vision of doing something greater? It is good.

That God-given vision along with your specific set of skills, talents, gifts, and experiences brings your uniqueness into the world. No one has ever existed just like you and God has given you a purpose, a job, to do what only you can accomplish. Let’s look at God’s design.

A Plan-

God created you to work. From the beginning, Eve was created to be a helper. And, as a helper she was mandated to work alongside Adam for the physical work of caring for the garden.  They are told to be fruitful and multiply as well as subdue and govern it. Both intellectual work and physical work have no distinction for God. There is no mention about which type of work is more important or more ‘godly’.  All work is necessary and Good.

A Perspective-

As a believer in Jesus you have your position, your business, to do something.  God calls you a living stone that He is building to offer spiritual sacrifices pleasing to Him (1 Pet 2:5).  You are chosen as a royal priest to show others the goodness of God (1 Pet 2:9). Like Esther, you are royalty in the Marketplace. God has called you to the marketplace for His specific purpose. No one else has your set of credentials to do the job He has called you to do.

A Personality-

Only you can show up as you in your business and life. God never asks you to change your personality, but He does change you. You are unique and so was Lydia. A woman with her own style!  Flamboyant, friendly and successful. And, she loved God! (Acts 16:15) A woman just like you, merging her two worlds by staying culturally relevant as she stayed positioned to share her faith.

A Prayer-

God gives supernatural gifts so you can live out His calling on your life. Rahab trusted God even when she didn’t know Him. She believed in a power more than herself and put her faith in that power.  She knew she could not control the situation she was in or rely on her own strength for survival. Look to God to do big things.  Trust God to give you exactly what you need, when you need it, to do exactly what He wants you to do to move forward and work in your business.

A Person-

Building supportive relationships is essential for your business. You are never alone. God brings specific people into your life to give you strength and encouragement to do what He has called you to do. Priscilla was that type of relationship for Paul. A friendship that was business and spiritual. By working together each day, you too build relationships with people in the office, in networking groups, and in other business dealings.  This provides an opportunity for you to connect with other believers for mutual support.

A Prudence-

Statistics say it takes ten years of focused study to become an expert in any field and building a reputation can take just as long. Huldah understood this well. She spent her entire life in the pursuit of knowledge.  Her world and today’s world are the same.  Everyone is doing their own thing and there is no moral authority. You may feel like it doesn’t matter what you do or how you act; that no one is paying attention. Know this, the things you do that go beyond the expectations of your customers, clients, colleagues and co-workers builds the reputation God wants for you.

A Promotion-

Seeing the activities of your entire life, specifically your work, to give God glory is the starting point. There is no difference between the sacred and the secular.  Martha shows us there is not.  As she led her household she had many responsibilities.  She was never asked to give that up as she followed Christ.  Her work served the kingdom and is God-given.  It was necessary work to fulfill God’s plan for her and to bring Him glory.  Jesus wanted Martha’s heart but never told her to separate her work-life from her faith-life.  He wanted her work to have purpose and meaning.  He wants that for you too.

A Provision-

God calls you to pursue excellence no matter your circumstance. You can never overlook the importance of your work by the size of your bank accounts, your popularity in the market, or by your position at the company.  God is looking at your heart, your devotion to Him, and shaping your character to be more like His.  Ruth’s story shows her doing just that, pursuing excellence, as she worked in the fields, gleaning grain to survive. She is our example of showing a good attitude and doing your best. God is giving you the power each day to get up and go do. Don’t depend on your own ability to make it happen, depend on God to make it all work out for your benefit.

The Bible is full of examples of women just like you. Did you know? God designed you for NOW. Follow that God-given dream and connect your faith and business.

Be filled to overflowing,

 

Deneen