I’ve been a Christian in business my entire working life, and in that time I have had to learn what part I play in making my life and career work, and what part God plays.
Over 25 years in business has taught me that God in my work space is really only as good as the amount of work that I am putting in. If I want to coast along and do as little as possible, he does the same. If I am ambitious and working hard, he seems to step up his help in this area. Doors open and opportunities come.
The point of this article is that just because you’re a Christian, you still have to hustle. It is awesome that we have favor and blessing on our lives, but we serve a practical God who leaves many of the steps up to us to action. We don’t get a free ride in life because we are one of his children. He is there to help and support us, but he is happy to dish out tough love on his kids to ensure that we in fact grow up and take responsibility for our lives.
I was at a conference almost a couple of years ago and the guy speaking said, “You can always tell the Christians in business versus the ones who are planning to go into business. The ones in business always have a cranky look on their faces.”
Of course, everyone laughed, but it is true. Spoils in life always come to those willing to hustle. If you work hard, study hard, get qualified, save money… things will go your way.
Want to actually have some money? You might need to drop spending on all those wants and put some money away. Just by spending less than you earn, you’ll already be ahead of most of the population.
Want to earn more money? You might need to turn off the TV and start doing more reading or study on the subject matter that can help you earn more. Upskilling so you can get better pay is a great way. Being a hard worker is another too.
Want a better life than the one you’ve got? Then you’ll need to make some changes to what you are currently doing today. You’ll need to hustle by working hard, learning more, learning how to save and invest. THEN you add prayer into the mix, and it is the icing on the cake.
I am a massive believer in prayer to have God help us do things that we cannot in the natural, but we must be doing our part. We must be giving it 100% effort so that we hold up our end of the bargain. We have to learn to hustle in life; not just hop from one conference to another, hoping there is going to be a magic opportunity that will come our way that means we can avoid the above.
Like I said, I have been in business 25 years and I haven’t found one yet.
Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.
How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest— and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.
Proverbs 6:6-11
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Matt Danswan is the CEO of Initiate Media, publishers of Christian Woman. He also blogs at www.mattdanswan.com. His new book NOT Business As Usual documents the story of the building of Initiate Media debt-free.
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