In the beginning, when God spoke the world into existence, everything was perfect. In the midst of this perfection, God created man to hold dominion over his creation. Now, it’s important to notice here that God didn’t create man and simply say, “Have fun! Don’t worry about the garden, I’ll take care of it, You just enjoy it!” No, Genesis 2:15 tells us, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work and take care of it.”
Now, what does this have anything to do with your business?
Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
-James 1:16-18
Just like the garden was evidence of God’s blessing given to Adam and Eve, your business is a gift given to you by God. While it would be easy to take that gift then and simply enjoy the fruit that comes from it, there is also a very specific call from God to work and take care of it.
If you work in a business, you know that it is more than just numbers and profits. It is mostly made up of, and dependent upon, people. This includes your employees, customers, vendors, and countless others who influence your business decisions. If your business is the garden God has gifted you, then your people are what he has called you to care for and cultivate. If the “why” behind your business does not speak to that human impact you are meant to have, then you may need to spend some time reflecting on what God is calling you to do.
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
-Colossians 3:17
Our work is not separate from God’s calling to live our lives for his glory. Whether you’re looking to start a business, join one, or you’re already part of leading one, it is never too late to make Christ part of your “why” in the workplace. If you watch any of the videos we’ve produced about businesses across the country, one common sentiment is that the best thing you can do for the people in your business is to show them the love of Jesus. There’s no trick to it, it’s simply putting the faith you have in him on full display in an effort to care for those who have been entrusted to you.
Don’t overthink it! The call from Scripture is simple in purpose but challenging in practice: Work and take care of the gift you’ve been given (your business and your people) by doing everything in the name of Jesus.
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.
-Colossians 1:15-17
“Very few people or companies can clearly articulate WHY they do WHAT they do. By WHY I mean your purpose, cause or belief - WHY does your company exist? WHY do you get out of bed every morning? And WHY should anyone care?...All organizations start with WHY, but only the great ones keep their WHY clear year after year.”
This quote by author and speaker Simon Sinek is an excellent entry point to thinking about how you can incorporate your Christ-given purpose into your company’s “why.” If Christ influences both your personal purpose and your company’s purpose, it will be much easier to get your entire team on board when you look to implement various strategies as your business grows. The type of leaders people want to follow are the ones who care for their people and stay true to what they believe.
Take a look at a company like Evans Tool and Die, who knew that they had an incredible opportunity to make an impact on those who walked into their doors every single day. So they made the choice to set aside time each week for a local pastor or employee to come and give a message for all who want to attend. For many of their employees, the result is complete and total life change.
Don’t underestimate Christ’s ability to work through you when you keep him at the center of your business’s “why.”
