Obeying Jesus in Business
As Christians, we are called to serve, to obey, and to walk in faith. In the midst of life’s challenges, especially as business owners, it’s easy to feel like the weight of success or failure rests on our shoulders. We strive, we work hard, and we pour our hearts into our efforts. But here's the truth: our job is to obey Jesus, and His job is the outcome. We are vessels, and He is the one who brings things to pass.
The peace that comes with this realization is indescribable. When we surrender our efforts and trust in God’s plan, we remember that our obedience is what He asks of us – the results are in His hands.
Our Job: Obey Jesus with Faithful Action
It’s easy to get caught up in the “how” and “why” of things. In business, it can sometimes feel like we need to control every detail, perfect every step, and secure every outcome. But when we remember that our job is simply to obey, we free ourselves from the need to micromanage what’s beyond our control.
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men."
– Colossians 3:23
This verse is a beautiful reminder that our work is not for recognition or approval from others, but for God. Whether it's creating a product, serving a customer, leading a team, or taking care of administrative tasks – every single action is an opportunity to obey Jesus and honor Him.
When we obey in the small, everyday actions, we’re aligning our hearts with God’s purpose, trusting that our efforts, no matter how mundane they seem, are a form of worship. We may not always see the immediate impact, but it’s not our job to see the full picture – it’s His.
His Job: The Outcome is in His Hands
As Christians, we don’t need to worry about the outcome. Jesus is the one who works all things together for good, and He is the one who brings His will to fruition. While we are called to do our best, the results are never fully in our control. We can plan, we can work, and we can try our hardest, but at the end of the day, it’s His power, His timing, and His will that brings things to pass.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."
– Jeremiah 29:11
This verse is a powerful reminder that God’s plans are always for our good. Even when things don’t go according to our own expectations, we can trust that He is orchestrating everything for His purposes. Whether the outcome is success or failure, we know that He is with us and that His plan is greater than anything we could imagine.
In business, there are days when we will face setbacks, challenges, or moments of doubt. But instead of trying to carry the burden of outcomes on our own, we can lean into God’s grace and mercy, knowing that He is in control of the bigger picture.
Covered with Grace and Mercy
The beauty of being in Christ is that we are covered with grace and mercy. No matter how much we fall short, how many times we make mistakes, or how many things don’t go according to our plans, His grace covers us. And not just grace, but mercy – the kindness and compassion He extends to us despite our imperfections.
"But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
– 2 Corinthians 12:9
When we embrace our weaknesses and acknowledge that we are nothing without Him, His power shines through. Our business, our work, and our lives become testimonies of God’s grace. It’s not about how capable we are, but how much we rely on Him to work through us.
This is such a freeing thought. When things don’t go as planned, or when we fall short, we don’t have to carry the weight of failure. We simply return to His grace, knowing that He uses our weaknesses for His glory.
We Are Only the Vessels
At the end of the day, we are just the vessels. We are vessels of His love, His grace, and His power. Our role is to be faithful and obedient in carrying out His will, trusting that He will do the rest. We may not always see the results right away, but that’s not the point. The point is that we are walking in obedience, using our gifts and talents for His glory, and trusting that He is the one who brings the harvest.
"We have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us."
– 2 Corinthians 4:7
We are jars of clay – fragile, imperfect, and weak. But inside of us is the treasure of God’s love, and through us, His power shines. It’s not about us; it’s about Him. And when we remember that, the pressure to succeed and control outcomes fades. We can rest in the truth that God is the one who will make all things work together according to His will.
Finding Peace in His Will
As we step into the new year, let’s recenter our hearts on this truth: our role is to obey, and His role is to determine the outcome. Our work is worship, and every step we take is part of His plan, whether or not we see the results immediately.
When things get tough, when the path seems unclear, or when the outcome isn’t what we hoped for, we can trust that He is working through us. And that, my friend, is where peace comes from – knowing that it’s not up to us to make things happen, but to simply obey and trust in His perfect will.
Let this year be one where we release the pressure of perfection and outcomes and rest in His grace, His mercy, and His power to bring about His plans in our lives.
