(The following was originally published at CareyGreen.com)
Most Christians who are in business genuinely have a desire to do things God’s way. I don’t question that at all. I know it to be true from my interactions with the many people I meet both in person and online.
BUT, (you knew there was a “but” coming here, didn’t you?) This video highlights a real sin that most of us probably commit daily as we pursue success for our businesses.
I have read a passage, James 4:13-17, that is amazing to me in terms of what is says to us as Christian business people.
Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Yet, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.
In my estimation, James is saying that we assume that we know too much and are in too much control of our own lives. We’re not giving enough honor to God in our business activities. We need to humble ourselves and seek the Lord’s guidance more. We must understand that the business we do is by his grace and not by our strength.
In that last sentence, James is telling us that we know that we should check in with the Lord and follow after His lead. If we’re setting our own agenda, we’re sinning. I think a lot of us Christian businesspeople need to repent for this sin.
Now, I’m not one to go on “sin hunts” in the lives of others, but James 4:13-17 hit ME between the eyes and I felt it would be helpful to bring it to light for others.
We need to remember that God is sovereign and that it’s his business, not ours, and incorporate prayer and concern for God’s purposes into every part of our business.