Psalm 127:1
” A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.”.
Commentary
They labor in vain that build it – literally, “In vain toil its builders in it.” The idea is, that they are entirely dependent on God. No matter what their skill, their strength, their industry may be – all will be in vain unless God shall assist them. They are dependent on Him for life, for health, for strength, for practical wisdom, for a disposition to continue their work, and for success in it.
Notes on the Bible by Albert Barnes [1834].
MODULAR 1: What is a Biblical Entrepreneur?
Whether you are an inspiring entrepreneur or a CEO of a major corporation, the Bible
is the ultimate source for valuable, pertinent advice and guidance; it provides you with the keys to your future successes. Jesus used scriptures by quoting passages as He taught. He used Isaiah’s prophecies to bring to disruption the Pharisees’ false piety (Mark 7:6-13). In Luke 24:25-27 he explained that the things concerning Himself had been written by Moses and the prophets. Most notability, when being tempted by the devil, Jesus used scriptures, (Matthew 4:4 – KJV), “But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God”. Also, read Matthew 4:7 and Matthew 4:10.
So, what is a Biblical Entrepreneur, (also in some circles the term Christian Entrepreneur is used. To fully understanding the meaning (and heart) of a Biblical Entrepreneur, you must understand how the world God views business and entrepreneurship.
In college I studied business on several levels, both undergrad and graduate programs. Both taught (by definition) that an entrepreneur’s main concern is the generation and accumulation of wealth for shareholders and stakeholders. The success of the business is determined by that end goal. Everything about the business from the customer to the employees, finances, product, marketing, and management team worked to reach the goal to accumulate wealth (grow the business).
Although, making money is a key objective for all business ( no profit, no business), the focus of a “Biblical Entrepreneur” (by definition) is someone (a Christian) who uses their talents, treasures, and time to operate a business, in which God has place them as a steward, in a manner that will bring Him glory, as well as be a blessing to his or her community, nation, and world.
Why is this distension important? As a Biblical Entrepreneur you will have many ups and downs. Knowing the “why” you are in business will give you the strength, courage, and tanistry to face the hard times. Knowing the “why” is the start of building a successful business based on the Kingdom Principles.
Foundational Question(s).
1. Do you pray (daily) for God to guide you in every part of being a “Biblical Entrepreneur”?
2. Do you invite God to your Board Room Meetings? (Even if you are the only person in the Board Room)?
3. How will your business glorify God? (More on this in later chapters).
Vocabulary
Biblical Entrepreneur: Someone (a Christian) who uses their talents, treasures, and time to operate a business, in which God has place them as a steward, in a manner that will bring Him glory, as well as be a blessing to his or her community, nation, and world.
Business Playbook: A Playbook provides a clear and measurable “audit path” for
accountability.
Business Plan: A document setting out a business’s future objectives and strategies for achieving them.
Kingdom Business Plan: A kingdom business is an enterprise directed by the Holy Spirit and managed by a godly leader that uses its time, talent, and money to meet the spiritual and/or physical needs of the community around them to advance God’s purpose.
Shareholders: A person who owns shares in a company. Someone who owns stock in Apple is an example of a shareholder.
Stakeholders: A person, group or organization that has interest or concern in an organization. Stakeholders can affect or be affected by the organization’s actions, objectives and policies. Some examples of key stakeholders are creditors, directors, employees, government (and its agencies), owners (shareholders), suppliers, unions, and the community from which the business draws its resources.