BUILDING A BUSINESS FOR CHRIST

“If God doesn’t build the house, the builders only build shacks. If God doesn’t guard the city, the night watchman might as well nap. It’s useless to rise early and go to bed late, and work your worried fingers to the bone. Don’t you know he enjoys giving rest to those he loves?” (Ps. 127:1-2)

Many people are totally immersed in making careers and building businesses to meet their own personal and often selfish ends. In many ways, they have gone ahead with their plans without any desire to determine or fulfil God’s purpose for their lives. Without God such businesses do not have lasting success. It depends not on how much sweat has been poured in. Others have unknowingly entered into God’s destined program for their lives and have achieved success but do not have any understanding that their success was ordained by God. Such people have therefore sought to ascribe the success to their own efforts and have eventually lost out on the real purpose of God for them which is to know, obey and worship Him. For example, Nebuchadnezzar learnt the lesson the hard way (Dan. 4:30-33).

So many others, continue to toil daily at great expense to self, family, others and to cause themselves grief and untold hardship because the business they think they are running is actually running them. They continuously reject God’s rest by refusing to turn and repent and thereby end up reaping insomnia etc. The Lord grants those that are in His rest or sleep.

It is not how we start alone that matters but how we finish. Solomon was a man who was blessed beyond measure and predestined to be a blessing to multitudes. The success attained by the divine wisdom granted him was however not managed well by him. He is a classic example of a blessed man straying away from the Lord. In Ecclesiastes chapter 2, he described the futility of trying to derive joy in created things than in the Almighty Creator himself. Life indeed does not consist in the abundance of wealth or material possessions.

We must not desire to build anything including businesses for the sole purpose of satisfying our carnal desires because carnality leads towards death. 1 Tim. 6:9-10 shows that those that will be rich fall into a temptation and a snare because they covet after money. The love of money is the root of all evil not money. Indeed for these reasons many have wanted away from the faith and have been pierced with many sorrows. The blessings of the Lord on the other hand makes us rich and He adds no sorrows to it (Prov. 10:22).

Many of the patriarchs (reputable Old Testament characters) have built over the ages. Moses built a tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, David desired to build God a house but Solomon was favoured to build the Lord a magnificent temple. The Bible however records that the God does not dwell in buildings made with hands (Acts 7:44-48). Indeed who shall give anything or what can be given to God who made and therefore owns all things. God rather dwells in the hearts of men. It therefore means that building a business for Christ means building a people for Christ. 1 Cor. 3:9 says we are God’s building; we must keep it in mind that building a business for Christ means a commitment to work with God to transform the hearts of men.

BUILDING A PEOPLE FOR CHRIST

Vision

If indeed we are God’s building then care must be taken in building for God. Though every physical house is built by man, only God builds all things (Heb. 3:4). Thus we can build successfully if we build according to the pattern which the Lord Himself shows. Moses, David and Solomon who led in the building of the temple were careful to record that the pattern of the building, the holy things thereof and the forms of worship were shown to them by the Holy Spirit (1 Chr. 28:11-19; Heb. 8:5). In the building of the church of Christ, Paul records in Acts 26:19 - “I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision”. A vision from the Lord is a condition for building for Him.

Foundation

Every building must have a foundation. There is no other foundation that any man can lay other than Jesus Christ Himself (1 Cor. 3:11). This foundation is solid rock upon which every building erected cannot be shaken no matter the storms of life that assail it (Matt. 7:24-26). He is the rock of ages that never fails. However He is a rock of offense to many who being offended received a negative reward. Whether we like it or not Jesus Christ is the boulder rejected by many in the past to their own peril but who has become the head corner stone.

The Builder

The human builder is nothing by himself but a co-worker with Christ. The human builder is however a lively stone who is built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ (1 Pet. 2 : 5 ). He is chosen to show forth the praises of God who brought him out of darkness into his marvellous light. He however must take heed how he builds even upon the foundation of Christ that the apostles and prophets have set as an example.

Many people have built on sand, that is, anything that is not of Christ. These may look glamorous. They may have the outward appearance of excellence, glitter and may appeal to the sensibilities of man but are rotten or hollow inside and cannot stand the test of time.

The builder must build with stone as a lively stone himself joined to the chief cornerstone, Jesus. He should not build with dust. Dust refers to all the manoeuvring of man, the traditions of men and the raw abilities (human strength and financial gimmickry). The dust has been made food for the devil, (Gen. 3:4) so whatsoever is built on titillating and satisfying human desires will of the flesh reap corruption as the devil will make mincemeat of it all. That which is dust must return to dust because all that is built on dust is earth-focused and therefore must be earth-bound. Those that are built upon a heavenly vision are heaven-bound. They therefore have a heavenly perspective. In essence they shall be eternal. We are called to bear fruit that shall remain.

Eph. 4: 17 - 21 gives the guidelines for the builder. He should not walk as unbelievers work in the vanity of their minds; have not understanding darkened by being alienated from God and give self over to lasciviousness, uncleanliness and greediness.

Success is guaranteed as we determine to follow the word of God. Acts 20: 32 - says “Now I’m turning you over to God, our marvelous God whose gracious Word can make you into what he wants you to be and give you everything you could possibly need in this community of holy friends.“. “There’s nothing like the written Word of God for showing you the way to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.” (2 Tim. 3:16-17)

The Holy Spirit, the Comforter in this age makes us different as we submit ourselves to Him. This is because the Holy Spirit in us is able to rebuke the world of sin, of unrighteousness and of judgement. As we take a stand for God, in the business place, we are able to challenge the world to embrace the needed change as they see Christ working in our lives, and they are reminded of the judgement that is already set and is also to come upon all those who are disobedient no matter what faith they profess to have. The Holy Spirit also shows and tells us things to come. This places us at an advantage over those who do not profess a faith in God and their system of forecasting. The Word of God is sure, tested and cannot fail and so when the Holy Spirit receives of Christ and shows to us, He glorifies Jesus by making us effective witnesses of the power of our God.

We therefore can build successfully only as a branch attached to the true vine. If a branch is separated from the vine; it lacks nourishment and dries up. In order to bear fruit that will remain the branches are purged. Sometime, the Lord will chasten us so that we may shine brighter for Him. When attached to the vine whatsoever we ask for shall be granted to us (Jn. 15:4-7, 16-17). The world will definitely hate the builder for Christ even as it hated Christ Himself and rejected Him. Opposition should not weaken but increase our resolve to do the will of Christ.

THE BUILDING BLOCKS

“Using the gift God gave me, I laid the foundation of that house like an expert builder. Others are building on that foundation, but all people should be careful how they build on it.”(1 Cor. 3:10) In building for Christ each man must be cautious about how he builds upon the foundation. Essentials for success include the following:

Holiness

Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord (Heb. 12:14). Holiness is total obedience to the Word of the Lord. Holiness ensures that an individual is attached to the true vine, built on the foundation and can draw support from him.

The builder must not covet any man’s silver, gold or apparel. Apart from worldly possessions (Acts. 20:33) this can refer to the abilities, gifts and grace upon other individuals. The gifts and calling of a man can be unique to him and we should not out of covetousness try to function in an office which the Lord has not called us. Covetousness leads to corruption in that what one has no longer satisfies nor can we derive joy from it because one spends all the time wishing for what one does not have. It is better to seek to recognise God’s gifts in supporting other people such that the purpose of God for every life will be achieved.

We must never covet God’s glory whenever we are successful. Remember that only God grants the increase and His glory shall He share with no man. Nebuchadnezzar forgot this lesson and his kingdom was not only taken away from him but so was his sanity (Dan. 4:30).

Ps. 24:3-4 shows clearly who can ascend the hill of the Lord or stand in his holy place. Only a person with clean hand, that is, one who has not lifted his hand to sin even when under pressure of business circumstances to do so. One with a pure heart fixed on the Lord and who has not lifted up his soul to vanity that may include glorifying educational background, career achievements, money, servants etc. Such a person also does not swear deceitfully. Lying in business is a grievous offense. So is selling or producing adulterated materials, using unjust balances etc.

Wisdom

Prov. 24:3 - “It takes wisdom to build a house, and understanding to set it on a firm foundation; It takes knowledge to furnish its rooms with fine furniture and beautiful draperies.” Wisdom is required to build according to the specification of the master builder Himself. Understanding ensures that whatsoever is built will last as the proper procedure for building is adhered to and the relationship with the head corner stone is not breached.

The four Hebrew children, Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were involved in building for the Lord in Babylon. Their witness to the power, majesty and wisdom of God brought many to the worship of JEHOVAH - The true God. No wonder, it became easier for King Cyrus to accept the will of God to restore the temple in Jerusalem. Cyrus went to the extent of returning all the vessels and treasures taken from the House of the Lord, issuing a decree throughout his kingdom that made the preparations and rebuilding of the temple possible, and freed every Israelite to go back to their land.

We must note that hidden in Christ are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Col. 2:3) that are revealed to us by the Holy Spirit. By the Holy Spirit we are able to:

Understand the times we are in. We have a prophetic insight into what the signs of the times denote. An understanding of the times enables us to walk and move as we ought to.
Have the right perspective of the timing of our movement. There is a time to wait quietly trusting in the Lord whereas at other times we must press in because an advantageous opening had been made on our behalf. He enables us to understand when patience is required so that we can be built up to endure.
Understand the necessary requirements through divine revelation and inspiration. Joseph was divinely instructed concerning the times he lived in, the right timing of activities and what was required to be done.

Faith

The establishment of the building is based on faith. Col. 2:7 states “Keep your roots deep in him and have your lives built on him. Be strong in the faith, just as you were taught, and always be thankful”.

Without faith it is impossible to please God in our business. The fullness of the manifestation is possible only by being fully persuaded of God’s ability and willingness to prosper His children when they walk according to His will. Success in building requires that with all diligence, we add to faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, love. If all these things abound they shall ensure that we are neither barren nor unfruitful. These constitute part of the building that is below the surface. They guide or colour what is seen on the outside. They are that peculiar part of the building that has a lot of effect on the other parts as well as to every person we come in contact with.

Prayer

Prayer is a means of communication between a loving father and His children. We are enjoined to pray always and not faint (Luke 18:1). Prayer is also about asking and receiving a response from the Lord (1 Jn. 5:14-15). The Lord however expects that we will ask according to His will. When we ask according to His will we are assured of getting answers from the Lord.

Prayer itself is the means of ascertaining God’s will concerning specific matters laid before Him. By prayer we get a deeper understanding of the word of God wherein His will is revealed. In order that we may pray effectively the perfect will of God, we ought to commit matters to Him in prayer. Whatever is received at this point is a promise which most often will have conditions attached to their fulfilment. Prayer is further required to bring the promises of God to pass in our lives. While waiting for the manifestation of the promises, prayer helps us to build our faith, keep from wrong-doing as well as develop our capacity for patience and endurance.

The Word of God says we know not how to pray. However the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. Many times however we fail to acknowledge this weakness and keep on striving unsuccessfully in our own strength, whereas we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

In the building of the New Testament church as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles we see that it was initiated by prayer, fed and sustained by prayer. At every stage of the building process therefore total dependence on the Holy Spirit in prayer is required for success. Greater insight into problems and the understanding of the times can be received by waiting on the Lord in prayer.

Prayer is also necessary to maintain the team’s focus on the purpose of building and therefore the unity of spirit, thought and action that is required to achieve great success.

Finally, prayer is required to deal with opposition and to help us not to be led into temptation and when necessary to overcome temptation. Through prayer, the power of God’s word can explode in our hearts; cause our hands to prosper and the business to be built for his glory.

OTHER CO-BUILDERS

2 Cor. 6:1 “We are workers together with God, so we beg you: Do not let the grace that you received from God be for nothing.” The point which every leader, entrepreneur or builder must understand is that he or she is only one of many co-builders with Christ no matter the gifts or measure of grace operating in his/her life. This realisation helps us to keep away from feeling invincible, indispensable and proud. We must learn that our God is a father of many children and He has a place in His vineyard for all of them. It therefore means every member of the team must be appreciated, motivated and rewarded.

Our dependence is on God but He has placed within every body of builders different gifts of the Holy Spirit, abilities etc. that can only be most effective when each supports the other. The disciples waited together in one accord and in prayer before the release of power to them on the day of Pentecost.

However, two cannot walk together except they are in agreement? (Amos 3:3). Such agreement is feasible if both are united in spirit to the achievement of the eternal purpose of God on earth. The same spirit will unite the team in love and impart the peace of Christ that passes human understanding to each one. The team can in one accord face opposition and overcome for a house divided against itself cannot stand. In this atmosphere of unity, peace and love the impartation of spirit and the excellence therefore can be achieved. Agreement between brethren is a solid ground for the manifestation of power in business as well as in every sphere of life. Matt. 18:19 says - “Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my father which is in heaven.”

Agreement can be achieved when we obey the injunction not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers, that is, people who do not share same values and trust in God (2 Cor. 6:14). The ‘way of life’ can only be understood by those whom the Lord has redeemed from the path of destruction. Building for Christ entails certain spiritual responsibilities on the part of the co-builder which an unbeliever cannot possibly understand. (1 Cor. 2:14) - “A person who does not have the Spirit does not accept the truths that come from the Spirit of God. That person thinks they are foolish and cannot understand them, because they can only be judged to be true by the Spirit.” The co-builder will save himself a lot of stress and heartache by refusing to enter into partnership with people with diverging values and trust in God. This is different from hiring people who are different from us as ownership is at a higher and deeper relationship level. The partner who worships Satan will definitely by acts of worship, business practices and associations be dedicating the business to Satan. Now, there cannot be two masters in a boat. Righteousness cannot dwell with unrighteousness neither can darkness dwell with the light. Obedience unto God makes our ways pleasing in His eyes and ensures that we receive the attendant blessings.

In addition the co-builder should give respect, honour to whom it is due. Respect is due to all no matter their station in life for they are the Lord’s creation. He must encourage diligence in others, correct them in love when they are wrong, build trust in them by showing good example. He must however not shirk his responsibilities for disciplining the staff when necessary. Eph. 5:21 enjoins us to submit ourselves to one another in the fear of the Lord. All things may be lawful to us but not all things are expedient. In exercising our privilege as a leader we need to be guided by the Spirit of God.

The builder must exercise himself in giving willingly unto the work of building as well as unto the Lord and His work in other areas or ministries apart from his own. This will sometime need a cultivation of the spirit of giving. Many times the work of building may engage him so much that he is blinded to the needs of others. 2 Cor. 9:6-10 shows that with the same measure that we give shall we receive. For the Lord will ensure that the seed sown or dispersed abroad is not devoured but will multiply this seed and increase it bountifully such that the fruit borne will be much greater than the seed. One sure route to prosperity is giving willingly and with a cheerful heart. For indeed God is able to make all grace abound toward us such that we having all sufficiency in all things will abound to every good work. To have abundantly for the work we must cultivate the habit of giving.

Success in building requires us to praise the master builder himself for all His acts in the past and present even during the building of the business. God dwells in the praise of His children. In addition, thanksgiving by which we show appreciation for His blessings ensures that we abound in all things including the grace we require to build successfully. For as the elders say, the thankful child will receive more blessings.

Co-Builder Traits

The successful co-builder possesses certain traits that guarantee success. Moses, Paul and Nehemiah are good examples.

MOSES:

He had love and compassion for the people he led. He carried their burdens for 40 years in the wilderness.
He was jealous for the Lord. Will not allow God’s name to be profaned, nor tolerate disobedience of his commandments.
He was an intercessor who interceded on behalf of the Israelites on several occasions and rejected potential benefits to himself and his seed which would have been detrimental to the Israelites.
He was a visionary and friend of God. By staying close to God, he had an insight into the Lord’s mind concerning the present and even the future. He saw and spoke with God mouth to mouth.
He had a testimony that he was very meek, above all the men on the face of the earth (Num. 12:2). The meek shall inherit the earth. His great office and princely background was reason to become proud, ruthless and tyrannical but he remained humble throughout his life-time.
He was thoroughly self-disciplined. He would do whatever was required even at great cost to himself e.g. Twice undertook a forty-day and night fast to be in the presence of the Lord. A moment of unguarded outburst of anger however cost him dearly as he did not enter the Promised Land. The closer to God a man is, the greater the responsibility and trust that the Lord places in him. The cost of failure is also greater.
He was faithful in his entire house as a servant of the Lord Most High and Israel (Heb. 3:2).
He would not keep anything away from the people that they really needed. He wished that all the people were prophets and that the Lord will put his spirit upon them. (Num. 11:29). He also imparted the spirit upon others e.g. - The seventy leaders of the tribes and Joshua.
Moses was a true worshipper of the Lord who worshipped in truth and in spirit.

PAUL

He counted as dung every other thing but the knowledge of Christ and the doing of His will.
He was ready to spend and be spent for God. He would not impose himself on others concerning his personal welfare even in ministry but by his own hands worked to support himself and others.
He was faithful and diligent in spite of the dangers that he faced.
He had no fear of persecution or opposition but depended on the Lord to see him through. He was rewarded in many ways by being delivered miraculously from danger.
He was led of the spirit and obedient to the promptings of the Holy Spirit which he followed through. He could say in the end “I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision”.
He trusted in the abilities, faithfulness and dedication of others to whom he gave responsibilities. He was a discipler par excellence. He discipled personally leaders such as Timothy, Titus, etc. and even whole congregations e.g. Colossians, Ephesians, Philippians, etc.
He exhorted, encouraged, wept over and prayed consistently for the various churches that the Lord used him to start. He was constantly in touch with them through letters by which the whole world has been blessed ages after his death.

NEHEMIAH:

Holiness - Holiness must not only be taught but practised by the co-builder. Holiness definitely has costs as can be seen in the life of Joseph and Daniel but no matter the cost, no compromise can be entertained on this account.

Handling Opposition - There is always tremendous opposition to building for the Lord (e.g. Nehemiah, and the Apostles). Wisdom from the Lord, a bridled tongue, listening more than speaking and tact are all necessary to overcome opposition. In addition, prayerful planning and implementation of strategies and counter strategies are very useful. To be effective we must stay close to God, and do as we hear from Him as well as have His love dwelling richly in our hearts.

Handling Personal Attack - Neh. 2:19-20, Neh. 4:4-6, 9-10, 14-16, Neh. 6:2-19. When opposition to the building fails, the enemy frequently resorts to attacking the person of the builder through character assassination schemes designed to cause him to sin as well as physical assaults in extreme cases. He must never bring himself down to their level by resorting to the same tactics of anger, malice and evil speaking. He has more dangerous weapons because the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds. By these weapons we are able to cast down every evil imagination of the opposition and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God and bring every thought to the obedience of Christ, the head of all things. (2 Cor. 10:4-5).

Handling Pressure Of Work - Building for Christ entails a lot of hard work and this may bring a lot of pressure. The leader must therefore learn to schedule the work, recruit competent assistants and delegate the “delegatables”. Delegation frees the leader from routine affairs or those duties that can be competently handled by others who may be or can be developed to be specialists in those areas. For this to be done successfully there is need to trust others, request and get their assistance and support. The leader can then focus on strategic planning necessary for success of the work.

Here is how Nehemiah handled his situation:

Nehemiah surveyed first the ruins of Jerusalem - Neh. 2:12-16. He saw the extent of the ruins and the scope of the work to be done. This is required in order that adequate planning can be carried out.
Then shared with the elders of the people - Neh. 2:18. He sought their assistance and got them to willingly declare. - ‘Let us rise up and build’. The leaders could see the hand of the Lord upon Nehemiah when he gave the testimonies of what God had done.
With help enlisted, various leaders built the different gates of the walls of Jerusalem (Neh. 3). Note that even the high priest was involved in the physical act of building the gates (Neh. 3:1). The leader must not be disdainful of getting his hands dirty.
The leaders were always prepared for the opposition. They were set in families to protect and guide the high places (Neh. 4:13). He organised the leaders such that while half were doing the work the other half bore arms for protection (Neh. 4:16-23).

We see also in the above example of Nehemiah the need to manage time effectively through adequate work planning. The urgency to finish the work was such that none of the builders put off their clothes in 52 days except to wash. He refused to leave the work to negotiate with Sanballat for the same reason. (Neh. 6:3).

Handling Stress - Pressure of work, inadequate time, and opposition to the work can cause stressful conditions for the builder. In these cases there is no better solution than prayer. Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest (Matt. 11:28). Nehemiah also offers a good example. When bad news from Jerusalem alerted him of the conditions thereof, he prayed and mourned for some days and the Lord granted him favour in the eyes of the King (Neh. 1:5-11). At the ridicule of their enemies, he confessed the word of God to all the rulers of the people (Neh. 2:20). They continually prayed until the work was finished thereby gaining rest from their worries and successful achievement of their goal. (Neh. 4:4-5, 4:9, 6:8-9).

Handling Financial Matters - Building requires financial resources. Jesus taught the disciples that no man should embark on building without counting the cost. A proper consideration of the cost is required, adequate preparations must then be made. Budget practices should be learned and applied as necessary. In Neh. 2:4-8, Nehemiah prepared before leaving Babylon by getting approvals for timber concessions. It is noteworthy that he prayed concerning what was required before approaching the King (Neh. 2:4).

Financial controls must be put in place to determine wastage and theft. It is not necessarily based on distrust but in order to promote transparency of action in all. To this end, adequate records should be kept. Honesty and probity in the lives of the leaders must not only be encouraged but must be seen to be practised (Neh. 5:12, 14-18).

Personal Change/Renewal - The leader cannot remain static. New developments may require that tactics and strategies be refashioned. He should therefore be receptive to needed change. Changes in technology may redefine the scope of the work. As the work itself progresses and the Lord grants an increase, new methods may be required to handle the increased responsibilities. He should therefore be alert to explore opportunities brought forth as a result of new information. In this regard, God is always speaking. There is a lot of information concerning the works of men that the revealer of mysteries will give to those who diligently seek and ask him. There must be regular waiting on the Lord to receive of Him.

In addition the builder without the Word of God will dry up. For the Word of God is the seed required for our bearing fruit. Without the Word abiding in the leader, there shall be no fruit. He needs constant renewal of his mind by the washing of water by the Word (Rom. 12:2). It is the word of grace that builds him up. Personal renewal ensures that the leader remains always fresh and committed to the goal. It is essential for personal development without which the building cannot be successfully built. He must renounce hidden things of dishonesty (2 Cor. 4:2) and walk in the fear of God.

Endurance Training

2Tim. 2:3 - “Share in the troubles we have like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” The way is fraught with difficulties and opposition to surmount but the servant of God must endure to the end and never give up. He also must endure temptation for they shall surely come. He will be tested in at least three main areas: the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life. But blessed is the man that endureth temptation for he shall surely receive the reward (Jam. 1:12). He must not cast away his confidence which shall surely bring a reward. Heb. 10:36 states that “You must hold on, so you can do what God wants and receive what he has promised.”.

Intercessory Prayer

The builder needs to be a man given to prayer. This is not only useful in building him up for the work and overcoming all oppositions but is commended in the word for us to pray ceaselessly. His prayers would not be for himself alone but recognising that he is only a part of what is being done globally, he intercedes on behalf of other people, groups all over the world. He also has a responsibility to take the case of his co-builders to God. By prayer we can truly satisfy the yearning of our hearts that the Lord’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

CONCLUSION

From all the foregoing we can conclude that God is interested in people who will be co-builders with Christ and is ready to assist them to succeed. In practical terms however we have seen that building a business for Christ means building a people for Christ. Such people include partners, co-workers, the internal opposition or naysayers, competitors and everyone whom we are called upon to serve. The following are guidelines upon which all the above can be based:

Policies - The policies set up for the business must be based on the love for God and for man the creation of God’s hands. It is only love that can lead us to true service. Business success is guaranteed to only those who are better able to serve the needs of others for love, acceptance, and tangible products to meet specific needs as well as self-actualisation. A true heart of service, dedication to the well-being of others is necessary for the true builder.

Witness - The policies as well as life of that business and indeed the builder must reflect the life of Christ always. This constitutes the second area in which success is measured. The life demonstrated in the business should be a powerful witness of the fact that we no longer live a life of our own but now live for Christ. This should act as a guide whenever actions are to be taken. The issue should be what witness this action bears on the Son of God who gave all for me. Indeed we cannot witness Christ without being a witness of God’s love and compassion for all - even his adversaries. Indeed the witness of Christ can be most effective when people can see the power of God demonstrated in the life of the business and its owners.

Justice and Equity

The love of Christ constrains us to be just and to act equitably towards all no matter their position in life. We are to honour all, and have no respect of persons in the dispensation of justice; in the manifestation of God’s love and in the distribution of what he has given to us to others be money, talents, gifts etc. Thus we must act equitably towards other co-partners, employees, the competition and society. Indeed we should contribute towards the positive development of the society rather than contribute towards its destruction through our business practices. Our responsibility goes beyond morality but it is to fulfil God’s purpose for society itself for love indeed is the bond of perfection.

We leave you to consider Job 22:22-30 “Accept teaching from his mouth, and keep his words in your heart. If you return to the Almighty, you will be blessed again. So remove evil from your house. Throw your gold nuggets into the dust and your fine gold among the rocks in the ravines. Then the Almighty will be your gold and the best silver for you. You will find pleasure in the Almighty, and you will look up to him. You will pray to him, and he will hear you, and you will keep your promises to him. Anything you decide will be done, and light will shine on your ways. When people are made humble and you say, ‘Have courage,’ then the humble will be saved. Even a guilty person will escape and be saved because your hands are clean.”