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And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus giving thanks to the Father through Him.  Colossians 3:17

Listen to the lesson as you read along:

(Running Time 3 minutes)

(Right click here and “save as’ to download MP3 audio – 3minutes)

You would probably expect a Bible study about business to start with this verse.  It is a simple verse with a profound message.

First a story about hats. . .

When I was in sixth grade I had a teacher names Mrs Haynes.  She would get started on a subject by saying, “Put your thinking caps on.”  I used to imagine what that cap would look like, but thinking about putting a thinking cap on helped me focus.  I picked up that practice in my adult like.

When I go to work, I put my ‘boss’ hat on.  I do my best to focus on my work while I am at the office.    I even have separate emails for business and personal so I don’t get distracted.  It is a great practice and I encourage any business owner to pick up the practice.

Basically, I compartmentalize my work to be done at work.

When I get home, it’s a whole different story.  I take off my ‘boss’ hat and put on my ‘husband’ hat.  It is here that I can engage in meaningful conversation with my wife.  I can ask about her day and not have to think about the lingering things at work because I left them there.

All of us compartmentalize who we are depending on who we are around.  We may act a certain way in a business meeting and another way at a ball game.  We should act differently. Could you imagine standing up in a business meeting and shouting cheers or starting the wave?  It may be fun, but probably wouldn’t get much business done.

The point is, we have different ways of handling different parts of our days, but we are the same person.  We have the same God living and working through us in all situations.  Whatever you do in word or deed you are doing because of who you are and who Christ is in you.

If you look at the context of this short sentence, it gives us a bit of insight.  Before this verse we are being called “God’s chosen people” (vs 12) and being admonished to “let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts.” (vs 15)  We are then given instructions on how to live, teach and be grateful.

Then, immediately following this verse, the Bible reminds us of our roles: wives, husbands, children, Fathers, and Slaves (workers).  We are told again to work with all our hearts as if working for the Lord.

See this simple verse is right in the middle of how God wants us to do business. He wants us to become His chosen people no matter what the setting.  Then, he wants us to live our lives in whatever roles we have to honor Him.

Even as an entrepreneur, when you work as though you are working for the Lord, you always have the best boss.  Set your minds on God today and whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus giving thanks to the Father through Him.  Amen.

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