Biblical Entrepreneurship: Kingdom Influence on the Market
The last section of biblical entrepreneurship that we need to discuss is influence. Influence is the basis of power. External power is cultivated by increasing its influence over people and industries. As biblical entrepreneurs, we must use our influence to spread the Gospel of the Kingdom, foster ethical practices within our industries, and promote a righteous lifestyle among people.
How does a person create influence? It is a by-product of trust. Trust is created when people believe that you have their best interests in mind when you are encouraging, correcting, and making decisions. Trust also develops when others see that you are consistent with your words and actions. Integrity and having the best interests of others in mind produces reliability. You must be worthy of being trusted by people.
Another component of influence is wealth. A person who has wealth and assets has the ability to influence governments, industries, and people. The Bible declares in Ecclesiastes 10:19 that “money answers to all things.” A biblical entrepreneur has the ability to have his wealth speak for it in the marketplace to promote righteous business practices. Ecclesiastes 7:12 also proclaims that “money is a defense.” Biblical entrepreneurship encourages the payment of low wages to employees and thus upholds the company’s reputation in the eyes of consumers, employees, and government officials.
Now let’s deal with empowering people to transform their lives and become righteous people. Biblical entrepreneurs are pioneers and champions of being saints within their industry. Christians in the global marketplace must model godly character in all transactions. His works will be able to testify that justice is the only way. Biblical entrepreneurs must display a lifestyle of holiness in order to spread the Gospel of the Kingdom to those with whom they interact. As believers in Christ, our character must align with our words if we are to be effective in spreading the Gospel. The purpose of creating influence is to promote the good news about the coming of King Jesus to earth with his kingdom so that people’s lives can change.
Jesus the Christ used his influence to change the religious climate within the Roman Empire. Jesus’ ministry changed millions of lives by displaying a new standard known as Kingdom Authority and Righteousness. Jesus preached the Gospel of the Kingdom instead of the doctrines of traditions. The Gospel of the Kingdom transforms lives and man-made doctrines keep people in bondage. To be a biblical entrepreneur we must use our influence to change the standard within our industries by living Kingdom principles.