By Nelson Semanu BOANDOH-KORKOR & Elizabeth BOANDOH-KORKOR
“All the things we do, all our behavior, should let others know that we are living by, and operating in, biblical principles. Principle and character are the highest quality traits on our list……Focus on people more than money. Without employees and customers, you’re going nowhere. Make sure you never stop thinking about the customer’s perspective.” – DAVID GREEN, Founder, Hobby Lobby.
In the realm of Christian entrepreneurship, the notion that God’s call is always accompanied by equipping is a prevailing belief. This equipping encompasses natural talents, skills, and aptitude, but it also necessitates hands-on experience—a journey of rolling up one’s sleeves and diving into the work. Despite this, the failure of an entrepreneurial venture can lead some to question the validity of a calling to be a Christian entrepreneur. However, the misinterpretation lies in equating God’s perception of success with our own. Does a divine calling guarantee that every business endeavor will yield financial prosperity? To date, there seems to be no conclusive evidence for such an assertion.
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”– Winston Churchill
As Christians, we often fall into the trap of evaluating ourselves and others based on outcomes rather than actions. When sharing the gospel, for instance, we often consider it a failure if there’s no immediate conversion. This perspective neglects the fact that our role is to convey the message, not necessarily secure conversions. Linking our calling solely to financial success in business oversimplifies the essence of being a Christian entrepreneur. It’s imperative to differentiate between being called by God and the intricacies of financial achievement.
The belief that some Christians fail in business due to ignorance is a viewpoint we hold. If you are a kingdom entrepreneur seeking insights into why fellow entrepreneurs of faith occasionally face failure, the following perspectives may prove enlightening:
Unraveling the roots of business failure among Kingdom entrepreneurs
- Neglecting Kingdom principles: a precarious path to peril
Proverbs 22:29 HCSB observes, “Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand in the presence of kings. He will not stand in the presence of unknown men.” The Kingdom of God holds invaluable wisdom for triumph, encompassing diverse spheres including Christian living and marriage. Business, too, is illuminated by these timeless truths.
Thus, as an entrepreneur, your business’s foundation must rest upon these principles. The discrepancy arises when many serious Christian businesspersons fail to explore and implement these divine insights. Despite our shared faith, we sometimes find ourselves entangled in the world’s systems and ideologies, hindering our alignment with Kingdom principles. To truly flourish as Kingdom Entrepreneurs, we must place God at the core of our businesses, ensuring that every decision is influenced by His wisdom.
- Lacking dedication to God: the crucial key to prosperity
Psalm 37:5 KJV advocates, “Commit thy way unto Jehovah; Trust also in Him, and He will bring it to pass.” Candidly, how often do we earnestly pray for our businesses? Many of us awaken to this urgency only in times of crisis. The establishment of altars within the marketplace cannot be overstated. The experience of a fellow Christian whose company faltered due to a lack of consistent prayer serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of spiritual negligence. Remember, God awaits our invitation; He does not impose Himself upon our affairs. Discover the transformative power of inviting God into your business partnership, recognizing Him as your ultimate ally.
- Indulging in laziness: a route to ruin
Proverbs 24:30-34 KJV offers a stark warning about laziness: “Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.” Laziness’s insidious grip can erode customer loyalty and crumble once-thriving enterprises. Contrarily, diligence is the beacon guiding us to triumph and prominence. Nevertheless, some Christians disregard this foundational principle, hoping that God’s blessing alone will suffice.
In some corners of the marketplace, tales of lackadaisical Christians circulate, revealing a sobering truth. Scholars have even pointed out that the relative success of certain idol-worshipping nations is rooted in their diligence. Although Africa boasts a substantial Christian population, it grapples with challenges often attributed to a lack of industriousness. As a Christian entrepreneur, failure becomes a looming possibility if diligence is neglected. Remember, the spirit of diligence acts as a guardian against the demon of poverty. Successful business transcends mere prayer and confession; it necessitates the sweat of dedicated labor.
- Unveiling industry secrets: the pillar of triumph
Proverbs 24:4-5 CEB enlightens, “By wisdom a house is built; by understanding it is established. By knowledge rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant wealth. A wise person is mightier than a strong one; a knowledgeable person than a powerful one.” Success in the business realm hinges on knowledge, making ignorance a formidable adversary. Entrusting resources to ventures shrouded in mystery often culminates in remorse.
Thus, as a Christian entrepreneur, the quest for excellence must be underscored by consistent research, workshops, and educational endeavors. Balancing fasting and prayer with an investment in knowledge is essential. Your business’s distinctiveness and specialized field demand a comprehensive grasp of industry intricacies. Embrace wisdom’s call to master trade secrets and industry insights, for true triumph is rooted in these foundational elements
In summation, recognizing and rectifying these pitfalls is essential for Kingdom Entrepreneurs seeking enduring business success. By grounding operations in Kingdom principles, dedicating ventures to God, combatting laziness through diligent effort, and pursuing mastery of industry secrets, the trajectory of your business transforms. Bear in mind that success transcends financial gains, encompassing spiritual growth, impactful influence, and alignment with divine purposes. As a Christian entrepreneur, your journey intertwines continuous learning, devoted prayer, and unwavering perseverance.
- Wrong motives for doing business
Every authentic Christian entrepreneur should enter the realm of business driven by a singular purpose: to generate wealth that propels the advancement of God’s kingdom. Above all else, God desires the expansion of His kingdom and places it as the foremost priority!
“Who fed you in the wilderness with manna, which your fathers did not know, that He might humble you and that He might test you, to do you good in the end—then you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth.’ And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.”– Deuteronomy 8:16-18
As a devout follower of Christ, your engagement in business must transcend personal gains. Being a member of the kingdom entails prioritizing its interests above all else. Viewing business solely as a means to provide solely for your immediate family would fall short of your divine calling. To consider business endeavors as a means to build a self-centered empire contradicts the very essence of glorifying God. Consequently, such endeavors cannot expect to receive God’s blessing.
Remember that your resources, be they large or small, hold potential beyond your personal sphere. God’s intention is for these resources to be channeled toward the propagation of the gospel to the far reaches of the world. Business pursuits rooted in selfish ambition fail to align with God’s grander plan for His kingdom’s expansion. Your motivations, then, must be aligned with God’s will, seeking to enhance His purposes above all else.
- Disobeying the guidance of the Holy Spirit
“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.”– Romans 8:14 NKJV
The role of the Holy Spirit extends beyond delivering us from sin or equipping us to confront challenges posed by the adversary. The Holy Spirit possesses the ability to implant innovative business concepts within our minds and to guide us practically in the profitable operation of our enterprises. His influence spans the realms of hiring, firing, business expansion strategies, and ingenious marketing approaches. Moreover, the Holy Spirit orchestrates connections with strategic networks imperative for our business growth. His contributions to our entrepreneurial pursuits are multifaceted, necessitating an unwavering connection with Him throughout our business endeavors.
Nevertheless, a common pitfall lies in our tendency to complicate matters, resulting in the loss of spiritual focus within our business affairs. Striking a balance between our intellectual capabilities and spiritual discernment proves challenging for many. It is imperative that we continually maintain a connection with the Holy Spirit as we navigate the intricate world of business. His divine insight, combined with our business acumen, paves the way for a harmonious convergence of intellect and spirituality.
- Avoiding financial selfishness
“Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed Me. But ye say, ‘Wherein have we robbed Thee?’ In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed Me, even this whole nation.” – Malachi 3:8-9 KJV
Regrettably, some individuals within the realm of business inadvertently detach themselves from their Christian identity when they experience financial blessings. Astonishingly, there are those who even employ their newfound financial resources to further the agenda of darkness. A grave irony, indeed. Christian entrepreneurs who disregard the practice of offering tithes and offerings should not anticipate the outpouring of God’s blessings upon their labors. Consider this: why would the King of kings bestow financial resources upon you only to see them invested in a realm contrary to His priorities?
“Offer unto the LORD thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase.”– Proverbs 3:9 DARBY’S
Surprising as it may be, there exists a subset of Christian businesspeople who willingly contribute substantial sums for funeral expenses, political campaigns, and lavish festivities, yet resist every “temptation” to contribute their resources to the church. These individuals often articulate a range of explanations for withholding tithes and generous offerings. In the pursuit of true Christian entrepreneurship, let us remain mindful of the significance of aligning our financial actions with our faith, recognizing that our blessings and prosperity are divinely intertwined with our commitment to honor God through selfless giving.
- Excessive reliance on prophetic directions and prophecies
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.” – James 1:5-6 KJV
While seeking divine guidance and holding onto prophetic words is a vital aspect of Christian faith, it’s important for Christian businesspeople to strike a balance in their approach. Depending solely on prophetic direction for running a business is not prudent. It’s essential to take practical steps and carry out necessary actions while awaiting God’s intervention. Prophetic guidance should not replace hard work; rather, it should complement it.
Believing in God and His prophets is crucial, but it’s equally imperative to put effort and diligence into your business endeavors. It’s worth noting that relying solely on personal prophecies will not guarantee entrepreneurial success on a global scale. Although a divine word can offer guidance, it’s not a standalone formula for business prosperity. However, it remains evident that seeking divine insight is valuable for every businessperson. As Christians, our foundation is built on dependence upon God. Just as Jesus emphasized that apart from Him, we can achieve nothing, seeking God’s wisdom periodically remains essential for navigating the complexities of business.
Nelson Semanu Boandoh-Korkor is a distinguished figure, acclaimed as an Author, Publishing Consultant, Christian Business Coach, and a fervent Financial Evangelist. Nelson is a forex trader, cryptocurrency investor and metaverse enthusiast.
Elizabeth Boandoh-Korkor (CA) is an accomplished Chartered Accountant with extensive experience as a Financial Management Consultant, spanning close to two decades in both the not-for-profit and banking sectors. You can reach out to them on +233549762233 or [email protected]
