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Faithful Entrepreneurship: A Guide to Starting a Business on God’s Foundation

LCBN TV (6)

Starting a business on God’s solid foundation can make all the difference! Remember the story of the wise and foolish builders in the Matthew 7: 24-27

Matthew 7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them

27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

It pays to build your business on a solid foundation of God’s principles so that it can withstand the test of time.

1. Seek Divine Inspiration for Your Business Idea:

Okay, let’s keep it real. Starting a business is cool, but how about we let God in on the planning?

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust God, lean on Him, and He’ll guide your steps.”

Pray about your business idea. Simple, right?

Begin by seeking divine inspiration for your business idea.

Proverbs 16:3: “Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.”

Proverbs 16:3 encourages us to commit our plans to the Lord. Pray for clarity and guidance, allowing God to shape and direct your entrepreneurial vision.

2. Develop a Solid Business Plan Grounded in Faith:

Now, about that business plan – don’t stress!

Proverbs 16:3: “Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.”

Hand over your plans to God. Imagine Him as your business GPS – He makes sure you’re on the right path.

Psalm 37:5 – “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.”

Crafting a business plan is your roadmap. Ensure it reflects your faith and values.

Proverbs 15:22 Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.

See how Proverbs 15:22 emphasizes seeking counsel; consider involving mentors who share your faith to provide guidance.

Making plans rashly, or without seeking useful input from others, implies someone with an exalted opinion of himself. You can’t see all possible facets of a situation by yourself; you need to gain the perspectives of others.

3. Integrate Biblical Principles into Your Business Model:

Infuse biblical principles into your business model. Consider fair labor practices, ethical sourcing, and customer-focused service.

James 2:8 If, however, you are fulfilling the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well.

Keep it real, keep it honest.

Micah 6:8 – “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

Remember Micah 6:8? It’s all about acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly. That’s a pretty cool business motto, don’t you think?

4. Prioritize Integrity in Your Dealings:

Integrity is the cornerstone of a business built on faith.

Proverbs 11:3 – The integrity and moral courage of the upright will guide them, But the crookedness of the treacherous will destroy them.”

Integrity is your business’s superhero cape. Proverbs 11:3 is like your reminder sticky note – “Integrity guides your way.”

Proverbs 16:11 – “Honest scales and balances belong to the Lord; all the weights in the bag are of his making.”

Be honest in your dealings, and your business will shine.

5. Build a Supportive Network of Faithful Advisors:

Proverbs 13:20 – “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”

Surround yourself with a network of faithful advisors. Proverbs 15:22 highlights the wisdom in seeking counsel. Connect with mentors who share your values and can provide spiritual and business insights.

Proverbs 15:22 – Without consultation and wise advice, plans are frustrated, But with many counselors they are established and succeed.

Have business buddies. Find folks who share your faith and are ready to dish out wisdom. It’s like having a personal business cheerleading squad.

6. Embrace Perseverance in the Face of Challenges:

Challenges are like surprise quizzes in the business world.

James 1:12 encourages perseverance, promising a crown of life for those who endure trials.

“Blessed [happy, spiritually prosperous, favored by God] is the man who is steadfast under trial and perseveres when tempted; for when he has passed.” – James 1:12

Challenges are inevitable in entrepreneurship. Embrace perseverance rooted in faith.

“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” – Romans 5:3-4

Hang in there! A crown awaits those who stick it out.

7. Incorporate Prayer into Decision-Making:

Ever thought about praying for your business decisions? Proverbs 3:6 is like your business BFF, saying, “Acknowledge God, and He’ll point you in the right direction.” How cool is that?

“In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way]..” – Proverbs 3:6

Prayer should be at the heart of your decision-making process. Seek God’s guidance in every major decision.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” – James 1:5

God’s wisdom is superior to the most intelligent man’s wisdom and His wisdom is error or mistake free!

8. Foster a Culture of Compassion and Service:

Compassion is your business’s heart. Colossians 3:12 is like a reminder to wear compassion like your favorite hoodie – comfy and essential. It’s the key to a happy business family.

“So, as God’s own chosen people, who are holy [set apart, sanctified for His purpose] and well-beloved [by God Himself], put on a heart of compassion, – Colossians 3:12 AMP.

Create a culture of compassion and service within your business. Colossians 3:12 reminds us to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;.” – Colossians 3:12 KJV

Just like Jesus you’re there to serve humanity not to be bossy over people!

“Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” -Matthew 20:28

Be a compassionate business boss!

9. Celebrate Small Victories and Express Gratitude:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6

Celebrate each victory, no matter how small, and express gratitude. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 guides us to give thanks in all circumstances, fostering a spirit of gratitude in your entrepreneurial journey.

“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Gratitude is like a secret sauce; it makes your business journey extra flavorful.

10. Commit Your Business to God's Will and Purpose:

Lastly, give your business to God.

“Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed.” – Proverbs 16:3 AMP.

It reassures us that when we commit our plans to the Lord, they will succeed.

It’s like a trust fall, but with your business.

Romans 12:1 even nudges you to offer it up as your true and proper worship.