Have you prayed about how you are to run your business? Have you sought God with intensity on the question of running your business for Him? If not, I would suggest you not read any further until you do. The pitfalls I describe below will not help you with your decision until you have prayed about this.
I know I am probably breaking several “Rules for a Successful Blog” when I tell you not to read further, but I cannot help it. If you think you can get enough information on which to make a solid decision in this area without first seeking God in prayer, then you are mistaken. In fact, if you simply look at the facts through your own eyes, you will almost certainly decide against running your business this way.
Praying and Thinking
If you are still reading, then I assume you have prayed (and continue to do so) about this decision. You may have read my posts on the 5 Reasons to Run Your Business According to Your Christian Faith. It makes sense to you, but you are still not sure whether you should proceed or not. Good. I am glad you are thinking about it. I want you to think about it.
As with any major decision, I believe we are to go to God’s Word. What does the Bible have to say about making a major decision like this?
For which of you, wanting to build a tower, doesn’t first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, after he has laid the foundation and cannot finish it, all the onlookers will begin to make fun of him, saying, ‘This man started to build and wasn’t able to finish.
– Luke 14:28-30
Count the Costs
I will tell you, from my personal experience, that this decision is bigger than it even looks. There are pitfalls, and benefits, that you have not even thought of. It is just not what it appears. Therefore, as Jesus taught in this Scripture, we must count the costs.
I realize that your experience in making this decision, and then implementing it, will not necessarily mirror my own experience. At the same time, because I have already been through this process, I can share about my journey. My hope is that I can help you avoid, or at least be prepared for, the following pitfalls (as well as those not listed!).
I will give you the list of pitfalls like Solomon might have done it in Proverbs. Here are ten pitfalls of running a Christian business, eleven hazards you will face when basing your business on your Christian faith…
The Pitfalls
1. People think a Christian business does not terminate people.
2. People think a Christian business never says no…to anything!
3. Your old policies, processes, habits will have to change.
4. Your comfort level will be shaken.
5. The people you thought would congratulate and support you…won’t.
6. You will lose friends.
7. You will come under attack.
8. Your priorities will change.
9. People will take advantage of you.
10. You will lose battles.
11. You will give up profit.
First of all, this is not an exhaustive list. Secondly, I believe the benefits outweigh these pitfalls!
Now, some of these are self explanatory and some require further clarification. While I will not do a continuous series of eleven posts on these pitfalls, I will take each of these topics and expand on them in the coming weeks and months. I hope you will follow along and participate in the discussion as we go.
Do you disagree with any of the above?
Are you truly praying for God’s will in your business?
Are you willing to give it to Him despite the apparent costs?
This post originally published on 9/9/11.
