{"id":9192,"date":"2015-05-10T15:01:30","date_gmt":"2015-05-10T22:01:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nehemiah.pivotdev.com\/?p=9192"},"modified":"2020-03-16T23:20:38","modified_gmt":"2020-03-17T06:20:38","slug":"why-build-a-kingdom-business","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nehemiahecommunity.com\/members\/devotionals\/why-build-a-kingdom-business\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Build a Kingdom Business","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Now this I do for the gospel\u2019s 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\u00a0it.\u00a0And everyone who competes\u00a0for the prize\u00a0is temperate in all things. Now they\u00a0do it\u00a0to obtain a perishable crown, but we\u00a0for\u00a0an imperishable\u00a0crown.\u00a0Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as\u00a0one who\u00a0beats the air.\u00a0But I discipline my body and bring\u00a0it\u00a0into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.<\/em> \u2013 1 Corinthians 9:23-27<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Draw me after You; let us run!<\/em> \u2013 Song of Songs 1:3a<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why should we build Kingdom businesses? Is it really worth the effort? What should we do when we feel like giving up?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kingdom businesses should be all about that quadruple bottom line \u2013 profit, planet, people, eternal impact<\/strong> \u2013 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\u2019re not taking these objectives and reducing them to the transactional level. Instead, keeping that quadruple bottom line in mind, let\u2019s enthusiastically remember why<\/em> we are doing what we\u2019re doing!<\/strong>

In 1 Corinthians 9, the Apostle Paul passionately explains the why<\/em> 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\u2019t want to cooperate with his spirit. Paul is after a crown \u2013 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, \u201cWell done, good and faithful servant!\u201d<\/strong> 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\u2019t want to miss out on his reward. He wants to make sure that the work he is doing will last forever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you running your race well?<\/strong> 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\u2019s do just that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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>, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/strong> in such a manner that honors God. These entrepreneurs have the following characteristics:<\/p>\n\n\n\n