Why Build a Kingdom Business

Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you. Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. – 1 Corinthians 9:23-27

Draw me after You; let us run! – Song of Songs 1:3a

Why should we build Kingdom businesses? Is it really worth the effort? What should we do when we feel like giving up?

Kingdom businesses should be all about that quadruple bottom line – profit, planet, people, eternal impact – seeking to honor the Lord with these four objectives in mind. Although these four goals are what Kingdom businesses should strive for, we need to make sure that we’re not taking these objectives and reducing them to the transactional level. Instead, keeping that quadruple bottom line in mind, let’s enthusiastically remember why we are doing what we’re doing!

In 1 Corinthians 9, the Apostle Paul passionately explains the why behind his ministry. He shares what keeps him going when he is tired and worn out, when he is tempted to take the easy route, and when his body doesn’t want to cooperate with his spirit. Paul is after a crown – an eternal reward. He is running hard, disciplining his body with determination and resolve, with a deep desire to one day hear his Lord Jesus declare, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” Paul wants to be on the winning team, sharing the gospel in love with all who will listen and all who he is called to preach to. He knows his calling, and he doesn’t want to miss out on his reward. He wants to make sure that the work he is doing will last forever.

Are you running your race well? Paul ran with the strength, power and direction of the Holy Spirit, with a firm confidence in God, and a heart motivated with love, and he changed the world! Paul encourage us to imitate him as he imitated Christ, and today, let’s do just that.

But what exactly does that look like in our current society, with our economy, social dynamics, and modern-day business practices? Here at Nehemiah, we have some great examples of Kingdom businesses who are being Jesus to the world! One such example is Elevation Financial Group, a Florida property management and development company. Run by CEO Chris King, the company is committed to acquiring run-down properties, restoring them while preserving their historical significance. The properties are turned into affordable, quality housing for the elderly and single parent families. Not only has the company been able to successfully achieve this property transformation, but they have also been able to provide a great return for their investors, while continuing to focus on staff development and maintaining a commitment to philanthropy.

Many other entrepreneurs are following their callings, launching and running Kingdom-based companies. Fueled by the desire to run their race well, they are loving people, being good stewards of the planet, and multiplying resources in such a manner that honors God. These entrepreneurs have the following characteristics:

• Are inspired by God and are called to be an entrepreneur
• Know and use their spiritual gifts & skills
• Recognize that they are a steward of their business
• Do work that results in biblical profit (the spiritual and natural gain remaining after all costs are deducted from a business transaction or the total income of the business)
• Are directed by the Holy Spirit, have confidence in God, and are motivated by love
• Are interdependent and cooperative
• Have a Kingdom focus
• Enjoy serving others
• Follow God’s Methods

My prayer for you today is that you would be inspired to keep running your race well, not becoming unqualified, fueled with the desire to receive a crown and hear our Lord Jesus say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”