“Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” - Jesus, Matthew 10:39 ESV
We may believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Creator of the universe, but when it comes to how we do life, especially business, we may have a tendency to say, “I’ve got this. I know what’s best. It's just business.” And with that line of thinking, our lives become compartmentalized.
I'm starting my year "power reading" through the Bible. I do better with short-term goals that require a lot of focus rather than a year-long-type commitment. This year's plan has me on pace to read (sometimes listen to)
the whole bible in 60 days. It takes a combined hour a day, so it's not really anything heroic. With this approach, broad themes rise to the surface. But every once a in a while a new detail I haven't noticed before grabs my attention
In 1 Chronicles 29 vs. 19, King David is about to hand over the throne and prays this prayer for his son: "Grant to Solomon a whole heart that he may keep your commandments, your testimonies, and your statutes, performing all, and that he may build the palace for which I have made provision." Solomon got off to a great start, but unfortunately eventually found "his life" in everything the world had to offer. His heart was divided, not whole.
“Whoever finds his life will lose it….” Jesus is saying that if we give ourselves over to what we think will make us happy and fulfilled and actually get some sort of temporary satisfaction from it, we will end up never experiencing the true, abundant life and purpose He created us for. And eventually we will lose that source of temporary life.
“…but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” Jesus knows there are going to be things that make us feel good…for a moment… and even some good things like having a successful business or being the best at something. The problem comes when that thing that brings a temporary rush is held up over the true source of abundant life. Jesus says that if we will lose that thing, turning it over to Him for His purposes, we will find life and fulfillment that is not temporary but eternal. So says the Creator of the universe…who should know! Ask Solomon. Everything else is vanity, a chasing after the wind! (Ecclesiastes)
As a His Way at Work coach, it’s my privilege to come alongside CEO’s and business owners who want to “lose their life,” in this case their businesses, for the sake of Christ and the glory of God. Does this mean that success and making a profit is not a goal? Not at all. It just means the purpose, the big “Why,” becomes bringing glory to God and seeing people’s lives impacted by the love of Christ. EternalROI is the priority, not just in word, but in deed…from the heart.
The business you own or lead has been entrusted into your hands by God. The invitation is this: Will you entrust it back to Him and go on a journey of learning how to let Him run it for His purposes? The promised return to you is true, abundant life.