My Personal Life: Part 1: My Business Life

Book Summary

Part One: My Personal Life As God in the Marketplace begins, the authors go straight to the heart of the relationship between the believer and God. This first chapter focuses in on questions about one’s personal life and how it impacts both the professional and spiritual realm. Personal decisions and responsibility often dictate the success and witness of business people, but frequently go unaddressed. First, the chapter sets the foundation by explaining what Christian business people’s ultimate purpose is according to God, which is to become more Christ-like. Then the chapter goes into how to model this in the workplace and continue to grow spiritually. A critical and one of the most insightful parts of this chapter

For some business people they do not know how their relationship with Christ relates to their business or career. Blackaby and Blackaby explain that God works though Christians in the business world. In fact, this area can be where a Christian witness has the greatest impact when compared to non-believing business people. However, the Christian will face temptation to sin and difficult decisions. Thankfully, the Lord will guide believers through these times if they rely on him. A Christian business or business person should be significantly different from a normal business or business person as Christian principles change how business operate. The authors point out twelve specific way, but the key difference is that the motivation for decisions is to glorify God through business, not to attain money. Because of this, employees, customers, kindness, integrity, and ethics have greater importance than in normal business. Since God provides a higher standard than any other earthly organization or law the Christian business constantly aims to improve in every aspect to better glorify God through every

With a business involved a new dimension is added to this interaction. God uses life, the experiences, resources, talents, and skills believers have to grow his kingdom not just locally, but globally. There are opportunities to partner with organizations both physically and financially. In addition, there are doors open for business people that are closed to traditional Christian ministry. Business works as part of the kingdom. Because business is based on trade, whether it is of good or services, there is a natural exchange not just of the goods or services, but of words and ideas. God places business and people in certain places at specific times for a reason, asking him for guidance on how he wants one to incorporate business into his kingdom is a simple first step. The treatment a person receives during a business interaction can be a ministry of its own. Simultaneously, business can offer products or services for free, at cost, or discounted to worthy causes or organizations. With a desire to expand God’s kingdom and an obedient heart the options of how God can utilize business is