Business News of Sunday, 11 August 2024
Source: Nelson Semanu Boandoh-Korkor & Elizabeth Boandoh-Korkor
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditates day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper ~PSALMS 1:1-3 KJV
Clarifying Kingdom Business: What it is not
Contrary to a prevalent notion, a kingdom business is not merely a conduit to amass funds for supporting missions. While many view business as an avenue to fund noble causes, it’s essential to recognise that all resources within the kingdom belong to the King. Their allocation should serve His mission, making the business itself a mission, not just a means to generate profits.
A kingdom business is not a vehicle to exploit the Bible for financial gain. It’s crucial to heed the scriptural wisdom that godliness is not a pathway to enrichment. Establishing businesses under the King’s ownership isn’t about pursuing money, as the King’s resources are already abundant. Instead, it involves obeying the King’s principles and responsibly stewarding His resources to generate wealth.
Misguided interpretations sometimes lead believers to believe that a kingdom business entails distancing oneself from the world. However, this perspective contradicts the teachings of King Jesus, who urged His followers to engage with the world while maintaining their distinct identity. A true kingdom business propels us deeper into the world, fostering positive influence and impact.
Mere ownership by a Christian does not automatically transform a business into a kingdom business. The defining factor lies in the complete surrender of one’s life and business to the lordship of King Jesus. It’s a harmonious integration of faith and business, where every facet aligns with the King’s principles and purposes.
Dr. R. Paul Stevens, a respected authority on Marketplace Theology and Leadership, emphasises that a kingdom business is not solely characterised by the presence of believers within it. While believers contribute to the spiritual atmosphere, a true kingdom business transcends this aspect.
In the pursuit of understanding the essence of a kingdom business, it is imperative to dispel these misconceptions. A kingdom business is an embodiment of holistic integration, where divine purpose, ethical stewardship and transformative influence converge. It’s a paradigm that echoes the teachings of King Jesus and empowers believers to engage meaningfully with the world while advancing the Kingdom’s values.
Is a kingdom business one in which most of the employees are believers, where there are noon-hour Bible studies and prayer meetings? Maybe. But there is more to the kingdom of God than overt spiritual activities. The presence of a Christian in a business or running a business does not guarantee the business is a kingdom business. The Christians may be keeping their faith and daily work in separate compartments on the assumption that “religion and business do not mix”.
What constitutes a Kingdom Business?
In delving into the realm of kingdom entrepreneurship, it becomes essential to grasp the true essence of a kingdom business. So, what precisely defines a kingdom business? Let’s embark on a comprehensive exploration of this concept:
A kingdom business is a distinctive enterprise that embodies the principles of divine stewardship and operates under the lordship of Jesus Christ. It is characterised by the dynamic interplay between spiritual devotion and entrepreneurial endeavour. The very fabric of a kingdom business is woven from the threads of faith, purpose and service. It is not merely a conventional profit-making venture; rather, it stands as a testament to a higher calling.
According to the collaborative insights of the Acton School of Business and Gateway Church, a kingdom business is an inspired endeavour orchestrated by the Holy Spirit and helmed by a godly leader. This enterprise employs its time, skills and resources to address the spiritual and tangible needs of the surrounding community, thereby advancing God’s divine purpose.
Diving further into this paradigm, Patrice Tsague illuminates the concept as a profit-generating enterprise meticulously guided by the lordship of Jesus Christ. It is propelled by the hands of a reborn believer—an adept kingdom entrepreneur.
This business stands as a living tribute to the Lord, as reflected in its products and services. Its management is meticulously governed by biblical tenets, serving as a beacon of moral integrity in the bustling marketplace. Notably, the accrued profits are channelled to propel the advancement of God’s kingdom on Earth.
From an additional vantage point, a kingdom business can be defined as the conscientious stewardship of the resources entrusted by the Lord to an entrepreneur. In this capacity, the entrepreneur operates in service to their employees, customers and the body of Christ. This noble endeavour is orchestrated in a manner that has the potential to yield growth, expansion, and profit.
In sum, a kingdom business is an intricate tapestry interwoven with divine purpose, ethical management and profound impact. It marries the realms of commerce and spirituality, harmoniously uniting faith-driven principles with entrepreneurial ingenuity. As a beacon of light, it illuminates the path toward godly stewardship, fostering a climate where profit is a conduit for greater benevolence. At its core, a kingdom business emerges as a resounding proclamation—a testament that an entrepreneurial journey can be both profitable and profoundly purposeful.
Defining a Kingdom Business: insights from the Sunrise magazine
Contemplating the essence of a kingdom business may lead to a query: what truly constitutes a kingdom business? The answer to this query is multi-faceted, contingent upon the perspectives, backgrounds, and business experiences of those to whom it is posed in the context of God’s kingdom here on Earth. As we delve into this concept, let us unravel the intricate layers that define a kingdom business.
The term ‘kingdom’, in the context of a kingdom business, is firmly anchored in the kingdom of God, established right here on our earthly realm. The teachings of Jesus echo in our understanding, as He instructed His disciples to pray, “Thy kingdom come on earth, as it is in heaven.” This profound instruction underscores God’s divine desire for His kingdom to be tangibly realised and experienced on Earth, within the confines of our present dispensation, long before our journey to eternity commences.
Central to comprehending a kingdom business is the recognition that God’s majestic rule and reign extend over His dominion, here on Earth. In essence, a kingdom business operates within the sphere of God’s divine governances, ordinances and principles. It willingly submits to the sacred precepts that emanate from the heart of God. Every facet of this business, from its structure to its operations, is meticulously aligned with the divine blueprint laid out by the Creator Himself.
The essence of a kingdom business goes beyond superficial conformity; it delves deep into the core of its existence. This business is distinguished by the infusion of God’s nature and characteristics, seamlessly interwoven into the very DNA of its being. It radiates with God’s love, integrity, compassion and wisdom, thereby exuding a distinct essence that sets it apart in the marketplace.
In sum, a kingdom business encapsulates the profound fusion of God’s rule, character, and purpose. It is a business endeavour that embarks on a journey of divine alignment, embracing the call to operate under the majestic dominion of the King. As the kingdom of God finds its earthly manifestation, a kingdom business stands as a tangible testament to the harmonious convergence of divine principles and entrepreneurial pursuit—a living expression of God’s reign in the realm of commerce.