How can we "engage in business" for God's kingdom in daily life? The Command to “Conduct Business” Luke 19:13: “Before he left, he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. ‘Conduct business until I return,’ he said.” • The order is clear, literal, and time-bound: stay busy for the King until He comes back. • Every believer receives resources (“minas”) to steward—time, skills, money, influence, spiritual gifts. • The King is absent but returning; accountability and reward are certain (vv. 15-17). Stewardship: What the King Expects • Produce increase, not mere preservation. • Operate under His authority even in secular settings (Colossians 3:23-24). • Treat every arena—office, shop floor, classroom, kitchen table—as kingdom territory (Genesis 1:28; 1 Corinthians 10:31). Practical Ways to Trade Until He Comes Recognize Your Mina • List concrete assets God placed in your hand: professional abilities, relationships, capital, platforms. • Thank Him for each; they belong to the King, not you (Psalm 24:1). Set Kingdom Metrics • Evaluate profit by gospel fruit, people helped, justice promoted, disciples formed. • Align business plans with eternal impact, not just quarterly numbers (Matthew 6:19-20). Work with Excellence and Integrity • Deliver quality that honors Christ’s name. • Refuse shortcuts, dishonesty, or exploitation (Proverbs 11:1; Ephesians 4:28). Witness Naturally at Work • Speak of Christ when doors open (1 Peter 3:15). • Let consistent character validate your words (Matthew 5:16). Invest Generously • Budget for missions, church ministry, benevolence. • Consider kingdom ROI higher than earthly dividends (2 Corinthians 9:6-8). Disciple Through Leadership • Pay fair wages, develop employees, model servant leadership (Luke 22:26). • Build a culture where righteousness and mercy flourish (Micah 6:8). Create, Innovate, Solve Problems • Mirror the Creator by bringing order and beauty to markets and communities. • View every honest profit as seed for more kingdom opportunity. Rest and Trust • Sabbath reminds you the Master owns the enterprise (Proverbs 3:5-6). • Rested hearts hear His direction and avoid idolizing work. Guardrails against Kingdom-Diluting Pitfalls • Greed—contentment cures covetousness (Hebrews 13:5). • Compromise—small ethical cracks ruin witness. • Fear—burying the mina invites rebuke; faith acts boldly. • Spiritual Isolation—stay connected to church community for counsel and accountability. Motivation: Promises of the Returning King • “Well done, good servant!”—commendation and proportionate authority (Luke 19:17). • Eternal inheritance secured by Christ (Colossians 3:24). • Shared joy in the Master’s victory (Matthew 25:23). Faithful trading today multiplies worship forever. |
    |