Seeking God First in Business

Throughout my life I have, at times, felt that being a Christian has been hard.  There are so many worldly distractions and temptations that often vie for my affections and attentions. 

Throughout my career I have, at times, experienced that being a business leader is also hard.  There are so many things to consider when you take on the role of leader; finances, resources, negotiations, people management, innovative growth and the like. 

Then, there's the combination of being a "Christian Business Leader".  This too is sometimes hard. 

Q:  What situations/decisions in your past did you find to be "hard"?  What made it so?  Did it challenge your leadership? Faith?  Both?  Take a moment to think through the details. 

I'm sure you would agree that being a leader in today’s marketplace carries a lot of weight. It also carries immense responsibility. However,  the time commitment, pressures, and temptations often prove to be too much for many people to navigate well. 

For the Christian businessperson, the principle of seeking God first in everything we do holds paramount importance. This practice not only aligns our actions with our faith but also offers guidance, wisdom, and a strong moral foundation for making sound decisions. 

Guidance and Direction
Finding guidance and direction today has become very superficial. Google has made it possible to tap into many different thoughts and ideas. Artificial intelligence is making it easier and easier for us to live our lives more superficially than ever. 

One of the foundational benefits of seeking God first in business is the divine guidance and direction He provides. In the fast-paced and often uncertain world of entrepreneurship and commerce, making the right decisions is crucial.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) reminds us, "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." By seeking God's guidance, we acknowledge our reliance on His wisdom, which surpasses our limited human understanding.

Ethical Business Practices
Often times, our professional lives are governed by contracts and directives that requires us to act specific ways. Sometimes, we spend much of our effort looking for loopholes that might give us an advantage. But is this right or honourable? 

Christian business people are called to uphold ethical standards and integrity in all their dealings. Seeking God first reinforces this commitment.
In Matthew 22:39 (NIV), Jesus teaches us to "love your neighbour as yourself."
This commandment extends to our business relationships and transactions.
When we prioritize God's principles in our decision-making, we are more likely to treat employees, customers, and partners with fairness, honesty, and respect.
This not only enhances our reputation but also contributes to building a more just and compassionate business environment. 

Stewardship and Purpose
Let’s face it many people believe the status of their job, the volume of their paycheque, and the notoriety that comes with fame and fortune is the direct result of their hard work and shrewd decisions. They treat these things as personal rewards and wear them like badges that attest to their abilities. 

As Christians, we believe that everything we have, including our businesses, is a gift from God. Seeking God first reminds us that we are stewards of these resources and should use them for a higher purpose. Colossians 3:23 (NIV) encourages us, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." When we approach our business endeavours with the intention of serving God and others, it gives our work greater meaning and fulfillment. It helps us avoid the trap of pursuing profits at any cost and encourages us to prioritize the well-being of all stakeholders.

Seeking God first in business is not only a foundational principle for us as Christian business leaders but also a source of guidance, ethical behaviour, and purpose. By aligning our actions with our faith and relying on God's wisdom, we can navigate the challenges of the business world with integrity and compassion. In doing so, we fulfill our calling to be Christ-like examples in the marketplace and contribute positively to build a more just and prosperous society.

My Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
I come before You today recognizing the profound importance of seeking You first in all that I do. Your Word teaches me to trust in You with all my hearts and to lean not on my own understanding. In this moment, I submit myself to Your wisdom and guidance, acknowledging that Your ways are higher than my ways. 

Lord, grant me the discernment and direction as I navigate the complex world of business.  Help me to make decisions that honor Your name and reflect Your love for my neighbors.

I pray all these things in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ,

Amen.

Steve Shrout 
President, Corpath Forums
Email: president@corpath.ca

"Pursuing Excellence in Business, Life and Spirit"

Special Note:
If you enjoyed today’s message, then share it with someone. Also, use this content and questions as a discussion guide in your next Forum Group meeting.

Attached to this is a printable/ fillable PDF you can use to help with your meditation and reflection. I encourage you to print it, answer the questions, and then keep it in a Corpath binder or folder for future reference and thought. You will receive a new PDF each week with each new Monday Meditation, and, over time, your binder will become a book representing your Corpath journey of BUSINESS thoughts, personal LIFE development, and SPIRITUAL growth.