Relying on God in Christian Business

Many people quote Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”

It is a powerful verse, but I think it is even more powerful when we learn to truly grasp what it means.  In one way it means I can do anything (focus on self).  In another way it means Christ brings us strength (focus on Christ).

Wisdom from childhood

In third grade I was frequently asked to stay during play time and write on the board.  I kept talking when I was not supposed to and the teacher always seemed to catch me.  I really wanted play time, but there were times in class where I just ‘had’ to talk.

I was what we call today ADHD (I don’t agree with that label, but we won’t talk about that here.)  I had trouble sitting still and not talking was rough when I had so much to say.  My parents would not accept that I could not control my actions.  My mom tried to help me by saying, “to thyself be true.”

To me, I thought it mean I can do whatever I wanted because that is ‘just who I am.’  What she was really trying to tell me was that she knew I could make the right decisions and act accordingly.

I thought it was all about ME.  When in reality, she was saying that she knew what I was capable of because she gave me the tools to make the right decisions.  She ‘raised me right’ and knew that I could handle tough circumstances without continuing to get in trouble at school.

The power of a shift in thinking

The shift in this verse is powerful when we get it. Philippians 4:13 it is not about the ‘I’ but it is about the ‘Christ.’

Instead of going out to do whatever we want and expecting God to have our backs, we should turn to Christ and rely on His strength no matter what this world throws at us: good or bad.

In Philippians 4 Paul explains that he is going through some really tough times. Most people would leave their faith to go through what he was going through.  Instead he says, “I have learned to be content in all circumstances.”  The secret is this, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:11, 14)

Do you see the shift?

Instead of going out and doing whatever we want and expecting God to make us successful, this verse is an encouragement when things aren’t always perfect.

We live in a fallen world.  There will be tough times for any Christian.  If we expect everything to be perfect, we miss the power that comes from relying on Christ for everything.

Put scripture into practice

Let’s put this verse into practice in your life.  Start by answering this question: Is Christ just along for the ride so you can do whatever you want or do you rely on Him no matter what this world throws at you?

In your business, turn to God first when you make a decision.  When things go well or things go bad, you know He will give you the strength to make it through.

When things do go well, give Him the praise. When things get tough, ask Him what He wants you to learn, then rely on His strength to get you through anything.

Rely on Christ, don’t expect Him to rely on you and your life will always be built on faith. Click To Tweet