And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6
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I love the book of Philippians because it is written to a faithful group of Christians. Paul has a deep relationship with them and they are growing in their faith.
In today’s passage we find an encouragement not to give up. In business, times get tough. We have employee issues, growth issues, customer issues, etc. Yet, we must return to the reason we are in business.
God created a good work inside of you and that was birthed into the business that you are currently running. It is exciting to think about all the lives that you have touched and all the lives you are going to touch when you remain faithful to God.
When we get sidetracked from our original purpose. We focus on what is right in front of us rather than the calling that Christ has put in our lives. We are called to run a business to help others and change lives.
If we look at the context of this verse we see Paul’s secret to overcoming life’s troubles and tribulations. Paul is literally in chains, but he is giving thanks and praying for the faithful people in his life. He knows where to focus when times get hard.
He starts this chapter with thanksgiving and prayer. These are two habits every Christian business owner should develop. They are the foundations for setting our lives and businesses on God.
Then Paul says he is confident that God will complete His work in you. And why?
Starting in verse 7 we see the answer. We are all in this together. Paul says that we ‘share in God’s grace.’ How awesome is it that God’s graces can overcome the struggles in this life?
Paul goes on to pray for these faithful Christians, like you and me. He reminds them to grow in love, knowledge and depth of insight in Christ Jesus. In other words, turn to God’s word, rather than focus on life’s frustrations.
Remember, your identity is in Christ, not in your business. You may have a title as a business owner, or entrepreneur, but that is not who you are. It is what you do. Who you are is a Child of the King, put on this earth as His Ambassador to touch lives and reveal the Kingdom to everyone around you no matter what the circumstances.
