apprentice of Jesus

Is Jesus the Core of Your Business?

Dr. Mike 2023 , , , ,

Colossians 1:15-17

The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

At the end of teaching each course, I leave students with one thought to carry with them throughout their business career. That paradigm is to always remember Jesus Christ is the core of your business.

In our culture today, people are taught that the primary purpose of business is to make money. Yet when profit becomes the main thing, greed explodes.  Then carnal desire rises to prominence. Afterward the fall from pride leads to pain and suffering for all stakeholders holding the last card. How many people have lost their retirement investments by someone who built a business upon smoke and mirrors? Business without moral discipline causes greater problems than if the business never began.

Even when businesses are economically successful, they may struggle with internal division. Labor and management battle between themselves. The end result is low morale and an unengaged culture.

Business, like lives, need to be built on a strong foundation to survive the storms of life. Otherwise, the economic community may collapse into ruin from the sheer weight of poor decisions.

Yet as Christ-followers we are privileged to know the reality of Jesus Christ. Paul wrote his letter to the Colossians to emphasize the important position Jesus holds over all creation. And as HIS servant, we now enjoy the honor of participating with HIM as stewards of HIS domain.

So if you are given the opportunity to operate a business, Christ’s teachings will give you greater insight into how best to serve your customer.

No, following Christ does not guarantee a successful venture. The weak link will always be you, me or outside uncontrollable events. But allowing HIM to lead you, coach you, and discipline you, will prepare you for eternity. Isn’t this HIS primary macro purpose for us? The business is simply a vehicle to provide for your family, other families, and the community while glorifying HIM through good work.

Yes, when Jesus Christ is the core of your business, you allow your faith to support HIM and serve your customers as HIS witness. The byproduct is freedom to live your faith. The opportunity is to flourish within HIS creation. And real fulfillment is found serving others with HIM.      

So always remember: Jesus Christ is the core of your business.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

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God Equips You

Dr. Mike 2023 , , , ,

John 6:63

 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I (Jesus) have spoken to you are spirit and life.

How does the Holy Spirit empower you?

When you lean on the Triune God. When you solely stop picking yourself up by the bootstraps. Then through the trials and tests of life, HE will equip and empower you to be…

Still and know Him

Holy

Reconciled

Believe

Confident

Disciplined

Faithful

Fruitful

Free

Forgiving

Graceful

Hopeful

Humble

Joyful

Knowledgeable

Loving

Life-giving

Merciful

Mindful

Obedient

Prayerful

Peaceful

Praiseful

Patience

Repentive

Rejoiceful

Righteous

Strong

Serving

Trustful

Truthful

Understanding

Unified

Victorious

Worshipful

Working

Zealous

If you lack any of these qualities, follow Jesus’ advice. Ask our heavenly Father to grant you these treasurers and more via the Holy Spirit (Luke 11:13). These are HIS qualities. He wants to share them with you. So you can reflect them before others. And come to better know Him. Life’s most priceless attributes come from having a personal relationship with the Triune God.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Encourager, Faith-Integrator, Scribbler

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Boxes or Circles

Dr. Mike Life in Christ , , , ,
“Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!” 2 Corinthians 13:5 ESV

circle2box1

Are you living your life through boxes or circles?

We live in a culture that loves to place people and activities into tiny boxes so they can be better classified and managed. We have a box for family, friends, work, career, church, investments, play, education, etc. The list could be almost endless depending on one’s resource.

I was one who grew up living the highly productive life juggling boxes throughout the day. I had a box for every person in my life. My spouse, daughter, parents, siblings each had a box that I would place in priority each day and week. In addition, all my work functions and relationships had a box. Yes, even church and God had their own box.

As an executive, time was my enemy. The best way for me to manage the daily routine was through boxes. It wasn’t until later that I discovered circles. Instead of segmenting my life, I opened myself to allowing Jesus Christ to become the center of my soul, heart, and mind. When that happened, life began to significantly change. Instead of creating boxes that I would continue to juggle, I began to draw circles. Now instead of treating God like any other box fighting for my time, He always has top priority.

The center of the circle is now Jesus Christ. The next circle around Him is my health. Next is immediate family. Followed by a circle of other family members, friends and associates.

Now instead of juggling boxes and feeling guilty for not investing more time with God, I let him into every circle of my life. He is the center of all my circles. No longer is he an independent box fighting for my time and attention. Instead he dwells within me and I seek to allow him full access into every area of my life. No longer do I have to fight to make Him #1 in my life. He is the center of my entire life.

Maybe this may be too strong, but I believe the person who uses boxes to cope with life still hasn’t surrender their total being to our Lord. Yet God’s patience leads us to repentance. As we draw closer to him, he draws closer to us. Eventually we catch on to what he is teaching us. He may initially accept being placed into a box if that is one way to grab our attention. But eventually He is going to want to be the center of your life. So why not help speed up the process and exchange your boxes for circles? You may be pleasantly surprised with the outcome.

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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