With the uncertainty of the economy over the last few years, more and more people have multiple streams of income. Some are business owners. Some may work a full-time and a part-time job. It is a great way to help curb the effects of a job loss and a slow economy, in that hopefully you will have some income from another source.
Perhaps you have thought of starting a part-time business. Maybe you already have one. How would you build it? What would it look like?
Consider these three ways to build. They sound obvious, but often we just don’t stop to think about their applications.
- You can ignore God by simply trying to do it all yourself instead of looking to Him to provide and lead you.
- You can, of course, dishonor God by lying, cheating, stealing, and acting unprofessionally.
- You can honor God by basing your business decisions on the Word of God and on God’s leading, and by depending on God during any business struggles that you encounter.
Recently, I had a friend ask me to give her perspective on a business decision she wanted to make. On the surface, neither choice was necessarily right or wrong.
I know she takes everything to God anyway, but my response to her question was that only God could give her the direction she needed to move because only He knows the future. I told her to pray because some business decisions can only be made through prayer. God must reveal the answer to you in order for you to know for sure what to do.
All this have I proved by wisdom: I said, I will be wise; but it was far from me. That which is far off, and exceeding deep, who can find it out?
Ecclesiastes 7:23-24
Question. How much prayer is needed?
Answer. How much time are you willing to spend with God? Do you want to put a limit on it?
God deserves to be worshipped and praised. Prayer and worship often serve to move us into a right relationship with God. It is then we hear the clearest. Remember, God does not move. It’s you and I that move away from Him.
The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.
Psalms 33:11
Building a business, and making business decisions that honor God require us to be devoted and dedicated to moving after we have heard from Him. We must be willing to wait.
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
Psalms 37:23-24
Always follow God in your business just as you do in the rest of your life. Should you stumble, He will be there to catch you.
LIFE APPLICATION
Key Focal Verse:
That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
1 Peter 1:7
Today’s challenge is to take a look at your business and your business dealings. Remember to take everything – even that stubborn work situation – to God. He really does have the answers!