In my 28th year I was changed. I had been raised without church attendance or discussions of faith. I had lived as an atheist adult for ten years. Then there was this stunning moment where I realized that I’d always known there was a God – my atheism was more about railing against him than not believing he existed. When I finally admitted that he was real, I had to face what that meant for me.
After several months of spiritual awakening (seeing the truth for first time) and deep thought (coming to terms with the truth) I made the decision to accept Jesus into my life. I started to attend church, read the bible and learn what it meant to have a real relationship with God.
You may laugh when I tell you that one of the things that I wrestled with as I tried to decide whether I really wanted to enter into a relationship with God was my language. (I had a serious potty mouth.) I wondered if I could ‘be a Christian’ and stop swearing. If I did stop swearing, would that mean I was being fake? If I didn’t, would that mean I wasn’t really a Christian?
Looking back over fifteen years of faith, I am blown away at how God has changed me. Yes, as a matter of fact my language did clean up quite a bit over the years but that is only an outward sign of an inward change. I’m not less likely to curse someone out because it’s wrong for a Christian to swear – but because I value people more.
My faith (my relationship with God) has colored my entire life with new meaning. It’s my foundation, my map, my purpose, my reason… my calling.
What does it mean to me to be a Christian in Business?
Colossians 3:23 says: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart,
as working for the Lord, not for men,”
- It is about using the skills and gifts he has given me with purpose and diligence.
- It is putting my hands to good work that serves others and provides an income.
- It is conducting that business with honor and strong consideration for others.
- It’s about praying about decisions and receiving good counsel from other believers I trust.
- It’s about operating on God’s economy, not the worlds.
- It’s about seeing my resources as God’s resources and being generous with my time and talents.
- It’s about pursuing excellence and striving to be the best without being prideful.
- And yes, it is about being a light to the world.
Will it always be obvious to every person I meet in business that I am a Christian? Probably not. I don’t have fish symbols or cross signs on my websites. I don’t mention my faith in every bit of content that I create, it would be fairly silly if I did. For the most part, business is business and I stick to the subject at hand. Being a Christian in Business isn’t about being obvious, it’s about being genuine.
Well Kelly, if you don’t go out of your way to show the world that you’re a Christian, how will they know?
John 13:34-35: “A new commandment I give to you that you love one another,
even as I have loved you, that you may also love one another.
By this all men will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another.”
When you serve others well. When you show consideration for their needs. When you go above and beyond to deliver excellence. When you’re patient and kind. When they feel like you’ve really cared about them. They’ll know… or they’ll at least wonder!
Trust God, there will be a time in many business relationships where you’ll be able to express your faith.
Has a client ever said something like ‘You really seem to enjoy your work.”? There’s a chance to say “Thank you, I feel God has really blessed me with work that fits me to a T.”
Has a client ever thanked you for going above and beyond? There’s a chance to say “God tells me to work with all my heart – so above and beyond just comes natural.”
When a client shares a concern or crisis going on in their life or business, there’s your chance to say “Would it be ok with you if I prayed for you?”
Keep up the good work and keep your eyes open. The opportunities will come.
I am holding my first ever Faith Based Business Coaching Group starting June 7th. If you’re interested in making prayer and accountability for your business a part of your summer, come check it out!
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Topics: Good Advice