Christian Business Women- Why we need you in the marketplace
This is for the woman who feels where she is has no real value
One of the greatest deceptions of Satan is to convince Christian business women that ministry only takes place in a church, and everything else has no kingdom value.
Colossians 3:23-24 (TPT) tells us, "Put your heart and soul into every activity you do, as though you are doing it for the Lord himself and not merely for others. For we know that we will receive a reward, an inheritance from the Lord, as we serve the Lord Yahweh, the Anointed One!
As a Christian businesswoman, everything you do is an opportunity to serve the kingdom of God. Do not assume that God cannot magnify your presence to have significant value to those around you because you feel you have little value at work.
1. You multiplied with Christ can do anything
Ephesians 2:10 (TPT) tells us, "We have become his poetry, a re-created people that will fulfill the destiny he has given each of us, for we are joined to Jesus, the Anointed One. Even before we were born, God planned in advance our destiny and the good works we would do to fulfill it!"
It breaks my heart to hear women say they have no value or nothing to offer the marketplace because they assume the only influence they have is tied to a job title and salary. God specializes in taking the "underdogs" and using them for his glory:
Moses-speech problem
David- Murder
Rehad- Prostitute
Abraham- did trust
Noah-was a drunk
Jonah- ran from God
Paul- Executioner
Peter- Denied Christ
Matthew- Tax Collector (Bully)
Gideon- Fearful
Do not underestimate how you multiplied with the glory of God can move mountains. Start with where you are, and trust God to meet you so you can shine his glory into the marketplace.
2. Christian businesswomen can shape a company culture
Businesswomen in positions of leadership influence cultures and families. You will teach through example how to handle it from a biblical perspective.
You will lead by example and show that family time is as essential as a client meeting. Prayer before a meeting allows God to be part of the solution. How you handle disputes reflects Christ in the workplace.
A Christian businesswoman will seek a balance between relationships and results, but never at the expense of a person. Your character will reign over achievement. The enemy happily replaces us when we don't take our place in the marketplace.
3. Christian businesswomen leave a void when they don't step into their call
When Christians refuse to step into their call in the marketplace, the enemy will distort the intent of business through the lens of: ·
Appetite. This is the concept that you or your job is your provider, not God. When your provider shifts from God, you start to make decisions through our insecurities and worry rather than making decisions with the strength of God is the ultimate provider of all our needs. As a result, you begin to slowly compromise who you are because of the fear of losing who you believe to be your true provider.
Ambition. Our culture is great at celebrating "wins," as if that defines who we are. If you are not careful, you will start to define who you are through the lens of accomplishments. You will start to do anything, whether it's sacrificing time with family or you sacrificing your dreams to climb the never-ending achievement ladder that leads to nowhere.
Approval. In our Instagram and Facebook world, we judge ourselves by how many people like us. If you are anything like me, my self-esteem rose and fell with every performance evaluation. You start to feel scared of making mistakes and stop taking risks. You become a prisoner to the next compliment and critique.
As Christian women in the workplace, we can change the perspective from Appetite, Ambition, and Approval to Authencity. We can model what work is like with being mentally ruled by the triple As. We can mentor others into breaking free of the prison of distortion. As we grow in influence in the making marketplace, we can begin to influence the culture of your workplace.
4. Christian business women S.H.I.N.E. in the marketplace
S-Serving- you serve others when you boldly shine your light into your place of business
H-Humility-When you shine humbly, you exalt God over your gifts/Personality
I-Influencing –When you shine, you influence the people and the culture around you
N-Nourishing-shining in your God-given way is like nourishment to your soul
E –Empowering- you not only feel empowered, but you empower others
We need you
We need how God uniquely wired you to solve problems in a way only you can answer. We need for you to set the example to others that you can be a committed mother, wife, and excellent businesswoman. We need your influence to create policies that allow women to nurture those around here- whether it's a spouse, child, or elderly relative, and still be able to use their gifts in the marketplace.
We need to you S.H.I.N.E.
