10 Tips for Building a Kingdom Business or Ministry
10 Tips for Building a Kingdom Business or Ministry
by Pearlina Simmons (shortened – for full article follow) Full Article Click Here
The bible is full of good insight for running or growing a business. Believers who embrace Godly principles have the opportunity to shine as a light in a sphere of influence most often driven by the darkness of greed. The key distinction of a Christian in business is reflected in Psalms, “Good comes to those who lend money generously and conduct their business fairly.” Psalms 112:5 NLT
Jesus often used examples of business and trade in his parables and discussions on the Kingdom. In a way, he used them to describe expectations around the role of his followers in the earth. Today, there are several common characteristics of businesses that embrace the Kingdom in their day-to-day operations.
Many believers have come to recognize that there is a purpose greater than themselves in the businesses that they operate. Those who recognize that God is the head of their life and business, experience the greatest partnership. God knows everything, can see everything, and is all powerful. What more could you ask for in a strategic partner?
As we mentioned, God is all knowing. He’s also promised to light our path and direct us while we are on that path. Our charge is to trust Him in all we do. As we stay connected to God’s word and speak with Him daily, we can trust the direction that He provides.
Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to “trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.”
When you ask God for guidance, He will provide direction and it sometimes comes in the form of a mental image or idea of what it should look like and how it should operate. These mental pictures and thoughts were also provided in the Bible, especially when there was a project of extraordinary importance, like for Moses (Exodus 35:1)
God is able to use you in amazing ways, trust Him to guide you in how to truly be unique and stand out in the marketplace. Jacob was an agricultural genius. He knew how to breed animals to make them strong and healthy. As a result, he became very wealthy. (See Genesis 30 for the complete story).
Proverbs 8:12 “I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.”
I love to plan, but I’ve also become very aware that there is a plan in God’s heart and mind that always works better than my own. Sometimes we will resist the plan if we don’t take time to acknowledge that it’s there and that we feel called to follow it. We may think that it’s unwise or doesn’t follow conventional wisdom, but God’s plan is always better than our own.
“You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.”
Proverbs 19:21 NLT
Psalm 112 is an excellent passage for the believer in business. Verse 9 goes beyond the golden rule and shows the reward for treating people with respect. “They share freely and give generously to those in need. Their good deeds will be remembered forever. They will have influence and honour.” It’s amazing the impact that a good leader can have on someone’s life.
In many faith and secular environments, the principle of tithing is followed. They may not call it tithing, but many companies give a portion (10%) or more of their profits to causes they have embraced. As a believer in business, you have the opportunity to embrace faith-based initiatives all over the world. But what many of these business and ministry leaders have found is that when they give, they receive more and have more to work with and give away. This principle shows up in Luke 6:38.
Ecclesiastes 11:1-6 (NCV) provides a good framework for working in business and ministry. It’s about embracing the future, working diligently, and making investments.
Invest what you have, because after a while you will get a return.
It’s important to operate and model positive business principles. There are many people who choose to operate by negativity driven by greed. These negative principles focus on exerting power over others. Most people would prefer working in environments that don’t require that kind of mind tricks and manipulation. Seek to add value to people whether they are your employees, customers, or partners.
The wise book of Ecclesiastes continues to provide good wisdom for business. Chapter 10: 10 reads, “Using a dull ax requires great strength, so sharpen the blade. That’s the value of wisdom; it helps you succeed.” As a business owner or ministry leader, it’s important to take time to sharpen your ax. You need times of refreshing, and your mental and spiritual capabilities require ongoing learning and development. Your organization can only go as far as you have the capacity to lead it, so personal growth should continually be a part of the annual plans for you and your team.
The world would make you think that it’s not possible to be a righteous person and do business. But the Bible paints a different picture. We see that those who follow God’s commands receive blessings throughout life. As you go forward, remember to embrace God in your business and be a light that shines in darkness.
