It is very important as Christian business owners to have the right perspectives towards the business we are into. Having a sound biblical perspective is the starting point for business success. You can decide your business destiny by carrying the right perspective which will cultivate the right habits in you and ultimately produce a successful business outcome. It all starts from our perspectives because what you think is who you are (Prov 23:7). These perspectives are:
- God owns your business:
John 3:27 says: ………a man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.
1 Cor 4:7 also says "For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?"
There is nothing in life that we are or have that we did not receive from God. God is the determiner of our purposes (Jer 1:5).
He is the giver of great ideas (Job 30:8) and success (Josh 1:8). God is the giver of everything that has to do with our businesses and more (2Pet 1:3). We must therefore see ourselves as trustees not founders as far as the business is concerned. “I own it” mentality makes the business to be grounded. We must see ourselves as stewards who are subject to check.
James 1:17: Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
Carrying this mentality will help the Christian business owner to check his excesses, become more accountable in his day-to-day operation thereby promoting business growth.
- Business success is a work not a Gift:
Proverbs 22:29: Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.
Ecclesiastes 9:10: Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might……
As a Christian business owner, you must carry this mentality that success in business, as in any other endeavour, is a work and not a gift. Success comes at a price. You don’t wish success, you work it out. If wishes were horses, beggars will ride. You must therefore work your way up in business. A business you don’t work at will never see the light of the day. And the good news is that hard work does not kill, it only refines. You must learn, unlearn, relearn, plan, strategize and deploy everything relevant to the success of that business.
- Your success in business is God’s interest:
3John 1:2: Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper………..
Psalms 1:3: ………………and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
It is very vital to know that God is interested in the success of your business as a Christian business owner. Business success is His will for you. It is His utmost desire that you make it in life (3Jn 1:2). God enjoys seeing you successful. He is never interested in your failure. No! So, understand that God has got your back. He is working for you, not against you. He loves to see that business succeed.
- Business breakthroughs are enforced:
1Corinthians 16:9: For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.
This is another mentality a Christian business owner must carry. Just as we have seen in the scripture above, for every great business opportunity, there are many adversaries. There is a “promised land” for your business but there are also "giants" on the way. You must therefore confront and overcome the "giants" to get there (Deut 2:24).
Until you contend with your business adversaries in battle, there is no business breakthrough. Business is warfare not fun fare. Until you give it a serious approach, you may not have a glorious result. A lifestyle of pleasure is a major killer of businesses. There are business territories you may never take until you are ready to be forceful. Life will not give you what you desire until you are ready to make a forceful demand for it (Matt 11:12). Expect oppositions and live ready to fight them to a standstill else you may not breakthrough in business.
- Business breakthroughs come by knowledge and understanding:
This mind must also be in you. Without adequate knowledge and understanding, there’s no business breakthrough. Knowledge and understanding are the arms you need to fight off all oppositions that will rise against your business. First, you must have a good understanding of God’s word. Scriptural promises relevant to your business breakthrough must always be at your finger tips. Also, you must know and understand your business and its terrain to successfully fight off oppositions and command business breakthroughs.
- Business strategies must be scriptural:
1Jn 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
You must bear in mind as a Christian business owner that your strategies must be in line with God’s word if you must be successful.
Jos 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
Of course, you will come across so many other types of business strategies some of which are devilish, earthly or intellectual (1Cor 2:6) but you must not compromise your stand for biblical strategies. Only biblical business strategies guarantee true and lasting business success. Remember, God’s word is the sure foundation for business success (Matt 7:24-27). When the foundation is not strong however, we become utterly helpless in our business pursuits (Ps 11:3).
- Locate God’s provisions for Business Success:
2Pe 1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
There are certain admonitions, instructions and hidden ideas peculiar to your business and its operations in the bible. Some may even be general. For example, corporate tithing (Gen 14:14-20, 2Chron 31:5), prompt salary payment (Lev 19:13), etc. You must be ready to locate them and put them to work.
- New Birth:
Of course, you must be born again. Surrendering all to the lordship of Jesus Christ is paramount to be able to carry these perspectives and for them to work effectively for you. If you are not born again, you can’t operate by these perspectives. New birth gives you an edge over others I three major ways, namely:
· It grants you access to the business secrets of God (Ps 25:14, Mk 4:11)
· It gives you the mind of Christ (1Cor 2:16) which enables you to make sound business decisions.
· It grants you access to the help of the Holy Spirit in teaching and guiding you (Jn 16:13) so as not to enter a business pitfall.
As I conclude this piece, please remember that it is perspective that determine attitude which in turn determines our outcome in life.
May you return with business breakthroughs as you inculcate these perspectives in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.
You will Succeed!