Jeff Bettger » Wisdom Culture Suffering Scripture Worship Evangelism Calling Stewardship

I have heard so many stories of self-proclaimed “Christian” businessmen screwing over non-Christians and blaming it on God. My heart breaks for such misrepresentation of our good God and the news of his gospel.

Bad business

Recently I heard a story from a non-Christian friend who has been a graphic designer for a group of believers for a number of years. He’s been wary about working with these folks namely because he knows they are Christians. He agreed to do some work for them and came to agreement that he would be paid once they signed off on a certain color or a similar minor choice. Although it has been months now, no one is moving forward with these decisions, leaving him and his family without the money that was budgeted in his expenses.

Now his taste for Christians is soured even more than it was before. Although he might have been ripe for the gospel before this experience, the opportunity to reach him is now much more difficult. When believers subscribe to the ways of the world in our business practice, we often end up looking worse than unbelievers.

Beyond brands

Our culture is saturated by ideas of success that are equated to making money, building a solid “brand identity,” and making our brands or ourselves famous. The desire to influence culture, build a brand, and be a success is all well and good, but it’s never more important than people.

Boldly go above and beyond with joy and gladness.

Christ calls us to humility, to represent him, and to steward what he gives us. One of the best ways to do this is to be generous. We get to trust God as the provider while believing his promises of provision. He gave us himself—what more do we need?

Practice business in a generous, loving, and serving way that meets the needs of the church and the world we live in. Extend yourself when you hire someone who is depending on you. You can pay someone even if a decision on the work is pending. Boldly go above and beyond with joy and gladness. God will provide for his people.

Believe boldly

Doing so shows the world that we trust in a good King enough to know that he will provide. Be bold in believing the promises of God. Live out of the place that only the Spirit empowers us to be able to do. It is a place of full assurance in the midst of whatever comes our way.

God has given us himself and is with us. He will always provide. Here are 10 of God’s promises that we should remember daily.

1.    You have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places (Eph. 1:3).

2.   He provides food (Ps. 111:5; 136:25; 145:15).

3.   He fills your needs (Ps. 145:19).

4.   You are rich in grace (Eph. 1:7).

5.    Christ lives in you (Gal. 2:20).

6.   You are one in Christ (Gal. 3:28).

7.   You are God’s child (John 1:12–13; Rom. 8:15–16; Gal. 3:26).

8.   God will provide for his children (Matt. 7:7–11).

9.   You have been given all things (Rom. 8:32).

10.  He gives you himself (Rom. 5:8–11).

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