“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” Corinthians 5:12 ESV

Why does business have such a negative connotation with many people?

If you asked the typical Bible believer which would she or he believe is the more important position in today’s world, to be a pastor of a church or a CEO of a business, which would you believe the majority would choose?

Actual surveys taken reveal the answer as pastor. Why are we not surprised?

Many Christ followers have a limited view of the God we serve. We place him in a box overshadowed with our personal values and prejudices. It takes time for the Holy Spirit to transform our minds and open our eyes to the Truth of any matter. This is no different with you and me.

I marvel throughout Scripture how the God we serve recruited non-priestly men and women for a specific work in a time and place of his choosing. Most we’re not of noble birth, privilege social standing, or even culturally attuned. They were in many cases the undesirables of the land.

Joseph was the least liked sibling of twelve yet events and circumstances prepared him to rule and save a nation from starvation.

Rahab was a prostitute who trusted in the God of Israel.

Paul worked as a tent-maker while preaching the Gospel to the Gentile nations.

When one reads the faith chapter (Hebrews 11) and the list of names of those considered who-is-who of the Bible, how many are pastors or priests?

We forget that God’s work is much larger than just the Church. The Holy Spirit started the Church because Christ’s Kingdom grows through the hearts of people. And you will find most people reside  outside the four walls of any church building. In fact, you will find most people who need a “heart transplant” in the marketplace. The same place where the majority of us spend most of our time away from home and family.

Jesus Christ came so God could begin restoring all creation to its original intent. He came to restore your relationship between Father God and you. He came so fathers and mothers could restore their relationship between each other and their children. He came to unite families, communities, and nations. He came to restore God’s order within government, education, and yes business.

To restore His order in business though takes people whose heart and allegiance is first to their King (Jesus), and than with others. They are a people who have learned to walk with their God through the challenges and failures of business. They have proven themselves faithful and trustful through the decisions and actions in the workplace. They live the Bible through their words and actions every day. They live-out the gospel message in their business negotiations. They practice love, faith, and truth with each employee, partner, and vendor. They treat others as they want to be treated. They are in business not solely for the money, but so the Gospel message may be shared with others through the processes, systems, and policies that are in place.

They see profit simply the cost of doing business. It allows the business to feed their employees, vendors, and partners. It is not however the first goal. It is the byproduct of creating an enterprise that glorifies God. It is a ministry for the common good. It is a means of how God provides for you and I.

Because man corrupts everything he touches without God’s influence in his life, the same is true in business. However, when we live out the Gospel in the workplace, we partner with the Holy Spirit in his work. The result is people coming to see the True God being revealed through people who practice the with-God life. That is how God is redeeming the marketplace today.

So why not ask God to lead you to be an ambassador for him in the marketplace where you work? It is the largest missionary field in America today. And you don’t even have to move to a foreign culture or leave your family behind to serve Him. You only have to say Yes, send me Lord.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Executive Director & Founder
Marketplace Bible Institute
& Resource Center, Inc
Author of e-Books:
 *  Great Business Emulates a Good God
 *  Be Radical…Follow Christ!
 *  Simply The Messenger
 *  Unequally Married

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