As I mentioned last week, the spirit of Christmas means different things to different people. For some, it is all about the warmth of family gathered together. For others, it is about giving and receiving gifts or the beauty of Christmas decorations and lights.
Since we seek to operate biblically based, Christian businesses, we are right to start with the Biblical story of Christmas and ask the question, “What was the spirit of the first Christmas and how does that relate to how I operate as a business leader?”
Last week we explored the spirit of generosity. HERE is a link to that blog if you missed it. Another value to cultivate at this special season of the year is a spirit of wonder. We wonder at a virgin having a baby. We wonder at His appearance being heralded by shepherds and Eastern kings. The greatest wonder of all is that Jesus, God’s only Son, would come down from heaven and become one of us here on earth. That is truly and eternally amazing.
And what about us? The wonder of our lives is that God chose us! Not just to be His child, as truly wonderful as that is, but He chose to use us to further His plans here on earth. He made us His partners. We are, like Jesus, sent out from the presence of God to change the world. We may do it by caring for our family, nurturing our friends, or operating a kingdom business, but we are sent out to change the world. Isaiah 61:1 is as true for you and I as it is for Jesus Himself, “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me for He has anointed me to preach Good News to the poor, to bind up the broken hearted and set the captive free.” Who are you called to do that for this Christmas season? A kingdom business, run well and according to His design, does all of those things; it brings hope to the poor (by giving them jobs), it comforts broken hearted people (who are missing what you have to offer), and it sets captives free (those who are in captivity to want and need). AND it produces profit that enables the business owner to invest in ministries that changes lives.
That is, also, part of the wonder of Christmas. Do not let yourself believe that it is too much for you because it is the one who came at Christmas that is doing it through you–making you a world changer. Embrace that wonder!
Have you finished your BE Certificate Program? Coach Scott Landis and myself, Randall Sanford, will co-teach, coach, and lead a cohort that combines BE II and III. This is a unique 20 week long opportunity to gain the skills in good, biblical business practices and insights such as
Biblical economics, understanding financial statements, marketing and sales, financing a kingdom business, international trade, kingdom philanthropy, and more from BE II. Along with that, we will be training and coaching on how to build an in-depth Kingdom Business Plan.
Want more details? Click here to watch this video. Or click below to register.
– posted by Randall Sanford