Deep Calls to Deep Devotion 7 "Christians in the Marketplace."

I have had the opportunity to be in the business world for 14 years, 10 of which have been with a committed relationship to Jesus. When Jesus revealed Himself to me, my first instinct was to think that all Christians should be in full-time ministry because of Scriptures such as, "Go and make disciples of all nations..." Matthew 28:19.  I learned quickly that a Christian doesn't have to be in full-time ministry with a church or para-church organization to make disciples.  It's a Christian's job in the *marketplace, also, and much needed.

When a Christian is called to the business world, they are still entrusted with the task of spreading the Gospel.  It just looks different than a pastor, preacher, or church teacher.  The hard part about being a Christian in the business world and spreading the Great Commission is the acts of lawlessness and unrighteousness are overly prevalent in the secular field; however, the same Holy Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us (Romans 8:11), even in the marketplace.

There are a few areas that I see as a real temptation in the secular business world, but the main temptation is the love of money.  Many people are climbing the corporate ladder, thirsty with the love of money.  Our challenge is to focus on God's kingdom and not get wrapped up in the endless pursuit of the love of money.  Jesus taught, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."  Matthew 6:24.  The world needs Christians in the business world to show a higher standard, to serve God and not money, to have a bottom line that says, "Christ is my master."  As we focus on these Scriptures; Hebrews 12:1-2, Acts 1:7, and especially Philippians 4:13, we will find strength to stand strong in the face of temptation.  We will be a light house for the Lord, drawing people to Him.

The key in the business world is to, "Walk in the Spirit and you will not accomplish the lusts of the flesh." Galations 5:16.  As we stay planted daily in the Word of God, focused on the Kingdom and not our own world, obeying the rules of the corporation unless they specifically defy the Word of God, we can make a significant impact in the 21st century and beyond.

*Marketplace defined by dictionary.com: the commercial world; the realm of business, trade and economics.