Our businesses are not just platforms for personal success—they’re opportunities to serve others and bring glory to God. When we create with love, treat people with kindness, and commit to excellence, we reflect Christ’s servant-hearted approach.
[00:00:37] Welcome to The Bible Speaks with your host Elgin Carelock. The Bible Speaks is a daily podcast dedicated to sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, rightly dividing the word of truth and learning how to apply it to our daily lives. You may contact Elgin at the address given at the end of the broadcast. And now here's Elgin.
[00:01:02] Brothers and sisters, I welcome you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit to another episode of Words of Inspiration.
[00:01:14] And today we're continuing in our series, The Christian Entrepreneur. In this episode, we'll explore what it means to serve people through our work.
[00:01:25] Our inspiration comes from Matthew chapter 20 verse 28 and reading from the New International Version, it reads,
[00:01:36] Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.
[00:01:48] This powerful verse reminds us that Jesus modeled servant-hearted leadership.
[00:01:53] As Christian entrepreneurs, we're called to adapt the same approach in our businesses.
[00:02:00] So today, we'll discuss how to serve others with excellence and integrity and how to build our companies with the same love and care God demonstrated in creation.
[00:02:14] Jesus, the King of Kings, came not to be served, but to serve.
[00:02:20] This humility and love should inspire how we run our businesses.
[00:02:25] Being a Christian entrepreneur isn't just about achieving success or turning a profit.
[00:02:31] It's about meeting the needs of others and reflecting Christ's love in the marketplace.
[00:02:38] So ask yourself, are my products or services generally meeting people's needs?
[00:02:44] Am I treating employees, customers and partners with respect and kindness?
[00:02:50] Is my business a platform for serving others?
[00:02:53] Or is it solely focused on personal gain?
[00:02:59] When we prioritize serving others, we align our business with God's heart and purpose.
[00:03:06] Proverbs 11 and 25 reminds us,
[00:03:09] A generous person will prosper.
[00:03:12] Whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
[00:03:16] Genesis 1 verses 1 through 31 gives us a blueprint of how to approach our work.
[00:03:23] In the creation story, we see God assembling the heavens and the earth with intention, love and care.
[00:03:31] Each day of the creation reflects order, purpose and a deep commitment to excellence.
[00:03:37] As entrepreneurs, we're called to approach our work with the same methodical care.
[00:03:44] So let's break this down.
[00:03:46] Day one, light.
[00:03:49] God started by creating light, separating it from darkness.
[00:03:54] In our businesses, this step represents clarity, defining our mission and vision.
[00:04:02] What problem are you solving?
[00:04:04] How are you shining God's light through your work?
[00:04:08] Day two, sky and water.
[00:04:12] God brought structure to his creation.
[00:04:14] For us, this means setting up systems and processes that ensure fairness, efficiency and excellence.
[00:04:23] Day three, land and vegetation.
[00:04:26] God provided the resources needed for life.
[00:04:30] In our business, are you creating products and service that truly enrich others lives?
[00:04:36] Are you intentional about providing value and meeting needs?
[00:04:42] Days four through six, filling the earth.
[00:04:46] God fill the earth with diverse and purposeful life.
[00:04:50] Similarly, your business should reflect creativity and purpose.
[00:04:55] Offering solutions that cater to the unique needs of your customers and community.
[00:05:01] When we build our businesses with the same love and care that God used in creation,
[00:05:06] we're not just serving people, we're reflecting his glory.
[00:05:10] A servant hearted approach isn't just about creating great products or services.
[00:05:16] It's about how we treat the people we work with.
[00:05:20] Employees, customers, suppliers and partners should all experience the love of Christ through interactions with you.
[00:05:29] Ephesians 4 and 32 says, be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as Christ God forgave you.
[00:05:40] Here are practical ways to serve others through your business.
[00:05:45] When dealing with your employees, provide a supportive and respectful workplace.
[00:05:51] Recognize their contributions and ensure they feel valued.
[00:05:55] When dealing with customers, go the extra mile to meet their needs.
[00:06:01] Listen to feedback and build trust through honesty and consistency.
[00:06:06] And finally, when dealing with suppliers and partners, treat them fairly and with integrity, honoring your commitments.
[00:06:15] When we treat people with respect and kindness, we build relationships that honor God and foster trust.
[00:06:24] Serving others through our work requires a commitment to excellence.
[00:06:29] Jesus didn't do anything halfway and neither should we.
[00:06:33] Whether you're crafting a product, providing a service or managing a team, do it with the utmost care and integrity.
[00:06:43] Colossians 3 verses 23 to 24 reminds us.
[00:06:47] Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord, not for human masters.
[00:06:56] Excellent isn't about perfection.
[00:06:58] It's about giving your best effort as an act of worship.
[00:07:02] When you serve others with excellence, you reflect Christ's love and bring glory to God.
[00:07:10] If you're wondering how to put these principles into practice, here are some steps to guide you.
[00:07:17] Number one, pray for guidance.
[00:07:20] Ask God to show you how your business can better serve others.
[00:07:25] Number two, evaluate your offerings.
[00:07:28] Are your products and services meeting real needs?
[00:07:31] If not, consider how you can make them more impactful.
[00:07:36] Number three, invest in people.
[00:07:40] Build strong relationships with your employees, customers and partners.
[00:07:45] Treat them as valued individuals, not just means to an end.
[00:07:51] Number four, commit to quality.
[00:07:55] Strive for excellence in everything you do, knowing that your work reflects your faith.
[00:08:00] And finally, give back.
[00:08:03] Look for ways to bless your community through your business, whether it's through charitable giving, mentorship or creating opportunities for others.
[00:08:13] Brothers and sisters, remember that our businesses are not just platforms for personal success.
[00:08:20] They're opportunities to serve others and bring glory to God.
[00:08:24] When we create with love, treat people with kindness and commit to excellence, we reflect Christ's servant hearted approach.
[00:08:34] Matthew 20 and 28 teaches us that Jesus came to serve, not to be served.
[00:08:40] As Christian entrepreneurs, let's follow his example, using our businesses to meet needs, build relationships and make lasting impact.
[00:08:52] If today's message has inspired you, share it with someone who needs the encouragement in their business journey.
[00:09:00] And remember, serving others with excellence isn't just good business.
[00:09:06] It's a reflection of Christ's love.
[00:09:09] I thank you for spending time with me on today.
[00:09:12] I hope you have a wonderful weekend and I look forward to our conversation on Sunday.
[00:09:18] Until then, God bless.
[00:09:26] The Bible Speaks is sponsored by C Squared Realty and New Gen Construction Group to help spread the gospel to the corners of the earth.
[00:09:37] If anything you've heard poured into your life, please share it with someone.
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[00:09:57] You may contact Elgin at P.O. Box 5582 Ocala, Florida 34478
[00:10:08] or by email at thebiblespeaksonline at gmail.com