Recently, I had a brief counselling session with a young entrepreneur, and while we were conversing, I asked her a question. Although she was surprised, I ensured she answered it. I asked if she had involved God in her business before starting. I know many people will instinctively say "yes" to such a question without thinking twice, only to later reflect and realize they hadn’t really involved God from the outset.
As a Christian in business, you cannot remove the "God factor" from your business. I’ve listened to Pastor Ibukun Awosika say that God has always been the center of her business, marriage, and everything she does. This should always be the case.
If you want to build a sustainable, long-lasting business that can survive inflation or any challenge, you need God! Pastor Ibukun Awosika said, and I quote: "Build a trail of righteousness in the things that you do every day, because the time of trouble will come. And if you're building as a king, you want to build a platform (business) where God will be celebrated at the highest level, because the devil will challenge you."
As a Christian in business, not a business owner who happens to be a Christian, you must ensure that you build value systems that cannot be easily challenged. I had another brief counselling session with a young businesswoman, and we discussed her business values, mission, and vision statements. I told her it’s not just about writing these things down; it’s about living by them in everything you do in the business and in your personal life. Your value systems must be unshakable and unquestionable.
I recently encountered an issue at my workplace. Oh! That issue really shook me, considering my values and principles. When I narrated everything to my sister, who is always so concerned about me and loves me dearly, she suggested, "Do this and do that," but I told her, "No, I won’t." Why? Because this is who I am. I won't compromise my values due to management decisions. I will continue to give my best and deliver excellence until I leave.
What am I saying? Let God be the center of your life, business, career, and marriage. Establish value systems that cannot be challenged. Stay consistent and disciplined in your righteousness, and watch how God will make all things work for your good, elevate you in your industry, and cause you to prosper.
Kind Regards,
Olamiji Akeredolu.