ANSWERING THE CALL IN BUSINESS

Answering the Call in Business
by Doug Hunter www.fcci.org

Answering the Call, by trusting God, no matter the circumstances.
This is an amazing time to be in business – especially to be a Christian in business. Watching the stock market tumble, feeling the credit squeeze, the back-and-forth of a political campaign where the candidates have dramatically different approaches to the needs of the nation’s economy, on-going global tensions on so many fronts … on and on. You don’t have to look far to find uncertainty…apprehension…anxiety…yes, and fear.

In addition, as a reminder that we are all in this together, David Smick has written a new book entitled The World Is Curved: Hidden Dangers to the Global Economy. In an obvious play on Thomas Freidman’s The World is Flat, which generally looks at the upside of globalization, Mr. Smick reminds us that there are ramifications to that globalization that we may not always be able to see – because they are beyond the horizon, out of sight – around the curve. Ramifications even now being felt by people, businesses and governments half way around the world following the unexpected failure of one or two major financial institutions here in the U.S.

So why does that make it such an amazing time for us as Christians in business? I would suggest it is because these kinds of global tremors, including those that have not yet come over the curve, that cause all of us – Christians and non-Christians alike – to take a hard look at what we really believe. At the foundation upon which we have been building our lives…and our businesses. Are we going to find biblically based solid rock, or have we been lured onto the same unstable sand that has been so in evidence throughout the business world lately?

At this point, let me assume you are finding rock. Does that mean you and your company aren’t being impacted by challenging economic circumstances? Of course, not. Even buildings constructed on the most solid foundation can suffer damage in a storm, but having confidence in that foundation should have an impact on how you and I view the storm…and even the damage.

For Christians in the marketplace, now is a great time for us to be living in the reality of I Peter 3:15: “But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.”
If you and I are looking for God in our circumstances, trusting in His character as we expect Him to be “working all things together for good” (Romans 8:28), “rejoicing in the Lord always” (Phil. 4:4), confident that “He is able to meet all of our needs according to His riches in Glory in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:19), and expecting that “these momentary light afflictions are working in us an eternal weight of glory” (II Cor. 4:17) …not blind to challenging circumstances, but not overwhelmed by them either…not just sitting and waiting for God to do something, but moving ahead and looking for God’s Word to be “a lamp for your feet and a light for your path” (Psalm 119:105) …people WILL ask. They ARE asking. Are we ready to answer? ...strong...of good courage...not afraid...not dismayed...and ready to give the answer so many are needing to hear. May your week be filled with hope - and with questions!
 
Have you and I set apart Christ as Lord in our hearts – and are we trusting Him as Lord in our companies?
 
This is a great time to remind each other that we serve a God who says to us:
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:8-9)
 
This truly is an amazing time to be a Christian in the business world