God’s Big Idea for Your Business

Is your “Big Idea” for your business in line with God’s idea for your life?  Many of us hope and pray that our dreams of starting a business will be successful and we ask for God’s help and guidance as we launch our big idea for a successful business.  But what if our plans aren’t in line with God’s Big Idea for what our business should be?  How can we tell?

We have two options for starting a business.  The first is speculation, which is where most people start.  We take risks and just hope that things will work out for the best.  The second way is to ask the Creator to show us the way – and that’s a sure-fire path to success.  It may not happen overnight and it may not be on your timetable, but it will be the kind of success that God wants for you – the kind of real, true success that matters.

Start and grow a business that follows God’s Big Idea, not yours!

Focusing on ourselves will never fulfill our life’s purpose because it consumes us and takes us down the wrong path.  The more we focus on ourselves and the trappings of worldly success, the farther we are from God.  But everything starts and ends with God – or it should.  Remember, it’s not about you!  People have made this mistake for thousands of years, searching for meaning and purpose in their lives and not finding it despite the accumulation of wealth and fame.

The Goal Isn’t As Important as How You Get There

The mistake made by many people who are starting a business is in thinking that the real purpose is to achieve an ultimate goal.  They think they will achieve happiness when they make a certain amount of money, open so many stores or are able to buy an expensive house.  They think the end result is the measure of their success.  They are so wrong!

The true measure of success – especially in the eyes of God – is how you achieve the results!  Did you enjoy yourself and use your gifts and talents wisely while you were working towards your goals?  Did you achieve anything worthwhile for others during your climb to the top?

There are lots of self-help books on the market that suggest ways to discover your life’s purpose.  Being successful and fulfilling your life’s purpose aren’t the same thing.  You can be successful by this world’s standards and still miss the true purpose for which God created you. 

If the starting point of your business ideas are self-centered questions like, “What type of business do I want to start?”  “How can I become successful quickly?” and “What do I want to do with my life?” it may be time to start a dialogue with God and focus on where your gifts and talents could take you.

“The Lord will fulfill His purpose for my life.” 

-Psalm 138:8                                                                       

Ask Him, “Lord, how can I use my talents for You?”  “What kind of business idea would use my gifts best?” and “What would I most love to do that would glorify you and  bless others and give me personal satisfaction?”

Remember that personal satisfaction doesn’t mean monetary gain.  To discover God’s purpose for your life you must turn to God’s word and discover what He has in store for you.   God has given each and every one of us talents, skills and gifts.  When we discover our destiny and do what we’re good at naturally, life becomes a pleasure we can share with others.  Don’t take this precious gift for granted.  We should all love what we are doing and wake up every day with enthusiasm and passion for what we do.  That is the true measure of success.

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given us…let him use it in proportion to his faith.”

-Romans 12:6