As a Christian, the Bible is our most important tool. It is packed with life lessons, some painful truth, and the hope of our salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ. God gave us the Bible so that it may be a permanent and essential part of our life. Its advice is meant to guide us on the right path and remind us of our true purpose here on earth.
As an entrepreneur, life gets hectic. Entrepreneurs wear many hats and have to manage their time with extreme precision. Often times, this leaves even the most devoted Christian forgoing the practice of daily time with God. If God is not made a priority, reading the bible becomes a distant memory. However, it is His very word that will keep us on the right track and help us most on our journey.
I would suggest adding the daily habit of reading God's word into your morning routine. Try it for a week, and then build up to making it a permanent habit. Follow a reading plan and keep a list of verses that impact you close by to reference as often as possible. These are some of the best bible verses for a Christian entrepreneur to keep in the forefront of their mind.
1. Proverbs 10:4 (NIV)
Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.
Entrepreneurship is not for the lazy. It is not for the weak or the complacent. The Bible makes it clear that it supports and encourages the idea of hard work. So to be clear, if you want to get ahead, work hard. If you want to live in poverty, sleep in for another day.
2. Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV)
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
Entrepreneurship often feels like an uphill battle. There is so much upfront work that has to be done with absolutely little to no immediate reward. You hear others who have succeeded say to stay the course and that it will all be worth it in the end, but sometimes it's hard to believe that.
When feeling this discouragement, it is the perfect time to get advice from the Bible. This verse is meant to be a reflection of what it is all for. We are reminded that our hard work is an offering to the Lord. Especially as a Christian business owner, we desire to bring glory to God in all that we do. So even if there seems to be no reward in our hard work, we can have assurance that God sees our effort and blesses us so. Even if there is no reward on Earth, we have a great reward waiting for us in heaven.
3. Matthew 7:12 (ESV)
So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
Ethics is an important staple of a good business. For Christians, it is nonnegotiable. The golden rule, described here in Matthew 7, is well known in our society. It is an important rule for life and also for business. We should always strive to do right by our customers even if it isn't easy. We should avoid cutting corners and strive for maximum transparency and honesty. This is the guideline the Bible advises that we follow.
4. Proverbs 14:23 (ESV)
The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.
To be diligent is to be earnest, energetic, and hardworking. This type of work ethic is a sure success. To build slowly, intentionally, and correctly is to create a solid foundation for your business that will last for years to come. However, rushing a business plan in order to attain wealth quickly will never last. This is important to remember as a business owner. Nothing worth having comes easy.
5. Mark 8:36 (ESV)
For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?
This to me, might be the most important verse of all. Entrepreneurs dream of a life of stability, riches, and earthly gain. Although I believe it is fine to dream of these luxuries, I think we must always remember our one true goal. Jesus walked the earth with very little possessions, His purpose was greater than achieving those things. We must remember that there is a goal much greater than achieving all the wealth in the world. Honoring God must be our true purpose, our true reason for our hard work and sacrifice. Wealth and luxury is wonderful to have, but without God, it is nothing.
Entrepreneurship is an honorable endeavor for any human. It is often a lonely road, an uphill battle, and a discouraging feat. But, it reaps great rewards for those who stay the course. If you have a dream, believe that it is a desire that God placed in your heart and fight to achieve it. Just remember, wealth is not our ultimate goal. God will always be greater.