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The Source:
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
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Business Focus: Personal Development
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Today's Message:
The Bible was not God-breathed so you could persecute others with Biblical truths.
Instead, the Bible is a gift to help and teach each of us exactly how to imitate the character of Christ, so we can live our personal and professional life in a way that brings Him glory … while being equipped for every good work we are called to do inside and outside of the marketplace.
The Bible is both our inspiration and instruction manual for righteous living and holiness in every aspect of our life. According to the Word, it is useful for equipping servants of God (that's us) thoroughly to do good works. This utility includes all things done in and through business, from relationships to operations.
The Bible and the truths revealed therein governs the thoughts and behaviors of those of us who follow Jesus. This precious gift to us:
- Helps each of us do our share to make God's kingdom here on earth as it is in heaven;
- Tells us all that we need to know for our salvation, how we are to behave in our relationships (just, merciful & humbly); and
- Gives us the characteristics that others should see in our every action and interaction (read about the fruit of the spirit).
The people around us are mere beneficiaries of our charge and commitment to imitate Christ at all times and in all ways.
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God is not glorified when you use your influence or the weight of your business to condemn, cheat or otherwise “get-over.”
Instead, God is glorified when you use your influence to generate wealth by creating value, and then use your wealth to create positive change in the world.
Here's the thing … building wealth through implementing Christ-like character and Bible-based principles in your Work increase your capacity to serve and do even greater works than even Jesus did while here on earth. And, it inspires others to do the same.
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As a business leader who is bringing the light of Jesus to a multi-cultural world and often darkened marketplace, it is essential to not use the Bible as a spiritual weapon. Instead, we must use it as a guide for how to live.
Know this …
The love of Jesus is the Word of God. And, LOVE is mighty sword that defeats every enemy, every time.
The LOVE of Jesus attracts people to Jesus and helps us makes disciples in the marketplace by doing good work that bears fruit and glorifies God.
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit-fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. John 15:16
We make disciples through business when we resist the urge to condemn with our words and instead transform lives through Christ-like character and good works. Christ-like character and good works is fruit that business bears in the marketplace.
Exercise Your Faith + Flow & Flow.
Pay close attention to how you interact with every person you meet in business and write about it in your business journal over the next 3 months.
- How do you treat people who are acting outside Biblical-principles?
- What do you say to people who claim to follow Christ, but treat people with whom they disagree poorly or with disdain?
- How you treat people who say they do not follow Jesus, but their character imitates the character of Christ?
What you DO is much more of an indication of whom you serve and follow than what you say.
Do good works that glorify Christ and not only will others be drawn to Jesus, the legacy of your business will grow and expand too.
