Passion

Reset and Rise: Recognizing When It’s Time to “Re-boot” Certain Areas of Business

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Periodically assessing and recalibrating your Christian business isn’t just good practice—it’s essential for maintaining spiritual alignment and operational effectiveness. Just as we reboot our computers to restore functionality, Christian businesses need strategic resets to ensure they’re fulfilling their dual purpose of providing valuable goods or services while glorifying God.

Recognizing when your business needs a reboot requires attentiveness to several key indicators. The first warning sign often manifests as spiritual or leadership fatigue—that feeling where passion wanes, joy diminishes, and connection to your original calling grows distant. This spiritual exhaustion frequently coincides with operational challenges like declining sales, increased employee turnover, or productivity decreases. Sometimes, personal life factors such as health issues or family crises can further exacerbate these conditions, creating a perfect storm that necessitates comprehensive renewal.

The mission and vision of your business serve as its spiritual and operational compass. When these foundational elements become unclear, outdated, or misaligned with biblical values, your entire organization can drift off course. Rebooting this area requires gathering key stakeholders for earnest prayer, thoroughly assessing whether your mission reflects biblical values like service and integrity, and then revising your statements to clearly integrate faith and business goals. As Colossians 3:23-24 reminds us, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord, not for human masters”—a principle that should permeate your company’s purpose.

Leadership sets the tone for your entire organization, making leadership renewal particularly critical. Christian leaders are called to model servant leadership as exemplified by Jesus in Mark 10:42-45, where He establishes that greatness comes through service. When leaders begin prioritizing personal gain over organizational wellbeing or making decisions without biblical grounding, it’s time for leadership retraining, spiritual renewal, and possibly structural changes. Creating accountability systems and mentorship opportunities can help leaders realign with Christ’s example.

Employee culture represents another crucial area for periodic renewal. A Christian business should foster an environment of respect, unity, and spiritual growth—when high turnover, low morale, or workplace conflicts become prevalent, cultural intervention is necessary. This might involve integrating faith into work through optional Bible studies or prayer groups, promoting positive communication, addressing conflicts scripturally according to Matthew 18:15-17, and investing in employee development. As Stephen Covey wisely observed, “Always treat your employees exactly as you want them to treat your best customers.”

Customer relations deserve equal attention during your business reboot. Poor customer service not only harms company performance but damages your Christian witness. Training staff in Christian service principles, aligning marketing with godly values, building trust, and addressing complaints promptly are all vital steps in renewing your approach to customers. Matthew 5:16 reminds us to “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven”—a principle particularly applicable to customer interactions.

Personal spiritual practices require regular renewal as well. Leaders must maintain consistent prayer, Scripture study, worship, and accountability. Similarly, your leadership mindset and thinking patterns may need recalibration—shifting from small thinking to God-sized vision, from negativity to positive expectation. As Brian Tracy notes, “Just as your car runs more smoothly when the wheels are in perfect alignment, you perform better when your thoughts, feelings, emotions, goals, and values are all in balance.”

The reboot process offers Christian business leaders a precious opportunity to realign with God’s purpose, renew commitment to biblical values, and strengthen their kingdom impact. When approached with humility, prayer, and openness to change, this renewal process positions your business to thrive not just financially but as a witness to Christ’s love and truth in the marketplace.

Purpose Not Profit: Transforming from a Christian-Owned to Christian-Run Enterprise

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The distinction between being a Christian business owner and running a truly Christian business is profound and often misunderstood. Many entrepreneurs identify as Christians but compartmentalize their faith, keeping it entirely separate from their business operations. This spiritual compartmentalization creates an artificial divide that prevents God’s purpose from flowing through their work. Today’s exploration dives into what it truly means to operate a business according to biblical principles and godly purpose.

At the heart of this distinction lies a single word: purpose. Christian-owned businesses operate according to the owner’s personal ambitions and worldly business practices, while Christian-run enterprises align with God’s specific purpose for that business. This isn’t merely semantic differentiation but represents fundamentally different approaches to business leadership, decision-making, and defining success. As Proverbs 19:2 reminds us, “There are many thoughts in a man’s heart, nevertheless the purpose of the Lord shall stand.” The Hebrew word used here for “stand” (kum) literally means “to arise and become powerful.” What a profound foundation for a business model—allowing God’s purpose to arise and become powerful through your enterprise!

The story of Marion Wade exemplifies this principle perfectly. In 1929, Wade founded what would eventually become ServiceMaster, a company that grew to over 7,000 locations with 46,000 employees, encompassing well-known brands like Terminex and Molly Maids. From the beginning, Wade committed to running his company in a way that pleased the Lord, even when faced with tension between pleasing stockholders and conducting business according to godly principles. The very name “ServiceMaster” emerged from their identity as “servants of the Master.” This dedication to purpose transformed a small enterprise into a global company that maintained its Christian values despite tremendous growth.

When business owners commit to discovering and implementing God’s purpose, several dynamics emerge. First comes realization—understanding that God has plans for your business that extend far beyond making money. Your business possesses potential ripple effects that can touch lives worldwide, even reaching people who might never set foot in a church. This global perspective shifts how you view your company’s impact and mission. Like Tom’s Shoes founder Blake Mycoskie, who built a business model around giving shoes to those in need (ultimately donating over 95 million pairs), your business can become a vehicle for worldwide impact.

The dynamics of participation and utilization are equally important. God’s purpose requires your active engagement and willingness to use the specific talents and passions He’s placed within you. As Ephesians 2:10 states, “We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works which God has before ordained that we should walk in them.” Interestingly, the problems that infuriate you most often point toward the purpose God has called you to address. What you cannot walk away from frequently reveals clues to your divine assignment in business.

Perhaps the most challenging dynamic is navigation—steering through worldly business thinking to embrace God’s perspective. While traditional business focuses primarily on ROI (Return on Investment), Christian-run businesses also consider EROI (Eternal Return on Investment). This paradigm shift may sometimes conflict with conventional wisdom or stockholder expectations, yet remains essential for fulfilling God’s purpose. Remember, “Your purpose is not for you to decide; it’s for you to discover.” The manifestation of that purpose directly correlates with your level of obedience and faithfulness.

The transformation from being merely a Christian-owned business to a truly Christian-run enterprise requires intentionality and courage. It means integrating faith into every aspect of operations, decisions, and relationships. It means viewing profit not as the ultimate goal but as a resource for furthering Kingdom purposes. Most importantly, it means surrendering your business plans to God’s greater purpose, allowing Him to work through your enterprise in ways you might never have imagined. As you embark on this journey, you’ll discover that running a business according to God’s purpose brings not just success, but significance that extends far beyond balance sheets and into eternity. Is your body

Purpose Beats Profit: Why That Empty Feeling Isn’t Fixed by Success

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Finding your purpose isn’t just a nice-to-have in today’s world—it has become increasingly essential for our very survival. The heartbreaking story of a healthy 90-year-old artist and professor who chose assisted suicide simply because she felt she lacked purpose should serve as a stark wake-up call. Similarly, the alarming rates of suicide among military veterans who struggle to find meaning after service highlights the devastating consequences when humans lose their sense of significance. As Rick Warren powerfully stated, “The greatest tragedy is not death but life without purpose.”

For Christian business leaders, understanding your God-given purpose isn’t merely philosophical—it’s foundational to authentic leadership and lasting impact. Ephesians 1:11 reminds us that we have “been chosen, predestined according to the purpose of him, who works all things according to the counsel of his will.” This divine appointment isn’t reserved solely for clergy or missionaries; it extends to entrepreneurs, executives, and professionals across all industries. Your business isn’t separate from God’s calling—it’s an integral part of it.

When you operate from a place of clear purpose, several transformational benefits emerge. First, purpose serves as a decision-making compass, providing clarity even amid complex challenges and ethical dilemmas. No longer will you be swayed by temporary gains that compromise your values. Second, purpose generates resilience during adversity. Economic downturns, competitive pressures, and personal setbacks become more manageable when you’re anchored in something greater than quarterly profits. You persevere because you understand that your work has eternal significance.

Purpose-driven leadership also inspires your team in remarkable ways. When employees connect with a vision beyond mere profit, they develop deeper loyalty, increased motivation, and higher productivity. They’re no longer just earning a paycheck—they’re contributing to something meaningful. This creates a culture of engagement where talent thrives and turnover diminishes. Furthermore, your business becomes a platform for Kingdom impact, allowing you to steward resources in ways that serve others and reflect Christ’s love in the marketplace.

Perhaps most significantly, alignment with your God-given purpose produces personal fulfillment that transcends financial success. While prosperity may be a byproduct of purposeful work, the joy and satisfaction that come from knowing you’re fulfilling your divine calling are far more valuable than monetary wealth alone. As Ephesians 4:16 indicates, when each part of the body does its “own special work,” it contributes to the health and growth of the entire body of Christ. Your business—when aligned with purpose—becomes a vital organ in this living ecosystem.

Ignoring your purpose carries serious consequences. Beyond the disconnection from God’s calling and missed opportunities for Kingdom impact, you’ll likely experience professional drift. Teams lacking direction struggle with high turnover, disengagement, and diminished productivity. The void created by purposelessness can’t be filled with more possessions, achievements, or recognitions—as countless wealthy but empty individuals have discovered.

Discovering your purpose requires intentionality. Begin by seeking God through prayer and Scripture, developing sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Study biblical passages about calling, stewardship, and service, particularly Romans 12:1-8 and Colossians 3:23-24. Journal what resonates with you, noting patterns and recurring themes that might indicate divine direction. Most importantly, reflect on your unique gifts and talents—these aren’t random but are divine indicators of your purpose. As 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 teaches, God equips each person with specific abilities to fulfill their calling.

Consider what skills others consistently affirm in you, what roles energize you, and how your gifts align with opportunities in your industry. Like finding tools in the trunk of your car might suggest your profession, your natural abilities point toward your purpose. A leader with exceptional communication skills might be called to advocate for ethical practices or mentor young professionals, while someone with analytical strengths might transform systems to better serve vulnerable populations.

He created you with intention and design. Your work matters eternally when aligned with His purpose.

A Vision With No Passion Is A Dream With No Life

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One of my all time favorite leaders is Walt Disney.  He was one of the best examples of a man with great passion.  Though vision is always a great topic in books and articles on leadership, passion is often not mentioned or associated with vision.  Many times vision is discussed as more of a vision or mission statement than in great detail.  While being able to articulate your vision is important, if there is no passion it is nothing more than a dream with no real life to it.

disney

Walt Disney took his passion to share art and fun with people around the world and developed a powerful vision.  Think about this fact, Walt Disney started with a single comic strip, then, took      great.  passion and fueled a vision.  Today, the Disney Corporation has over 35 billion dollars in annual revenue.  That’s right, 35 billion, with a “B.”

Some companies have lofty visions, but there is no real passion to fuel those visions.  A corporation can not create passion.  Passion comes from a person and every great company started with a person with a passion.  John Wesley, the great Methodist Revivalist said, “When you set yourself on fire people love to come and see you burn.”  It’s your passion that will inspire and energize people to help bring a vision into a reality.Passion brings true fulfillment.Passion takes you through failures with loosing enthusiasm.Passion gives you strength to get through the storms that will be between you and your vision.Passion bring ownership and deep emotional commitment.Passion brings a great love for your work.Passion brings courage.Passions creates the drive that will help you overcome every obstacle.

You can see the importance of passion as it relates to your vision.  You may say, “Harold, I really do not have a vision for my life.”  If you truly do not, then begin to find out what your passions in life are.  What moves you to emotion.  What causes you to feel angry, sad, joyful, excited?  With everything that is in you find passion…find your passion.  This passion will become the fire in your belly that will become the driving force to help you accomplish great things on your journey through this life.