The marketplace needs more Christian entrepreneurs who are willing and ready to step out in faith. Many believers stray away from going and starting a business because, let’s be honest, we’ve all seen examples of really dodgy business practices. But those of us who feel the Lord is tugging on their hearts to own a business should not ignore His call. It’s not worth it to be disobedient to the Lord because of fear or because we have negative, preconceived notions about business owners.

Christian entrepreneurs have the opportunity to bring light into a marketplace that desperately needs it.

A successful, thriving business owned by a believer glorifies God. Our business is our instrument to glorify God and could even draw people into His kingdom. Because of the potential to glorify God, we must be aware that the enemy will do anything to thwart our ministry with greed, dishonesty, and pride. The enemy will want us to take all of the credit for our success instead of shifting the attention to our Lord and Saviour. He knows where there is self-reliance there is weakness. It is therefore so important to keep our business covered in prayer to protect the integrity and success of our business, but also to constantly keep our heart in the right place.

As Christian business owners, we have to understand that we are merely vessels for the work God wants to create. Therefore, before we spend hours brainstorming ideas, products, designs, and services, we need to spend time before the Lord in prayer. We can come before God and ask Him what He wants us to do, say, and provide as business owners.Not only can this save us the headache and heartache of pursuing things we were never meant to do, but as we pray to be led by the Lord in all of our business activities, we will find ourselves in the safest place to be, which is in the will of God. When we purpose in our hearts that our businesses belong to the Lord, we can be assured that He will provide everything we need such as networking opportunities, ideas, collaborations, etc.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

As Christian business owners, we have to be especially mindful about what we say “yes” to and what we get involved in. You don’t need to attend every business conference or agree to every collaboration. We are called to be Spirit-led, not guided by our own feelings and desires. It is critical that before we agree to collaborate with someone, that we do some research. Are they a believer? Do they use methods/language that we are ok with being connected to? It is vitally important that we don’t ignore the convictions and guidance we receive from the Holy Spirit. In order to truly honour God with our business we need to ask Him for wisdom and discernment. We need to trust and believe that He will never lead us astray.

“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 NIV

Erick Bouwmeester