Do Business, NOT Make War

“And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” Luke 2:49. In a time of worldwide unrest and war, in all our endeavours, activities, vision and labour, may we answer the question: Am I about our Heavenly Father’s business? Jesus brings us the cure for the prevalent anxiety plaguing the hearts and minds of people globally, distracting us from being obedient to what God requires from each of us individually.

“Therefore I tell you, stop being worried or anxious (perpetually uneasy, distracted) about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, as to what you will wear. Is life not more than food, and the body more than clothing? Matthew 6:25

Staying busy in God is moving forward – it is an antidote against the depression and oppression of overthinking things in our volatile times. We thus need to have the right expectation for the year ahead. The root meaning of anxiety as a self-inflicted or induced condition is more than just feeling worried or fearful. Its most destructive force is the dividing factor it brings to the mind and will – it pulls you away from being under the love, guidance and care of a loving, Heavenly Father. He is the ultimate and perfect Father and provider. Doubt (unbelief or being unsure) is the enemy of faith.

We are not of this world but we are in this world and so He provides us His presence, purpose and provision. We are witnessing a pivotal moment in global thought, marking the apex of a swing towards particular humanistic secular liberal worldviews. These views, characterized by notions of unbridled freedom and unearned rewards, are now giving way to a more balanced perspective.

We’re observing a shift in several key areas:

• From Globalization to LOCALIZATION: A movement from a borderless global community to a renewed emphasis on local economies, value-driven cultures, and good governance
• From Multiculturalism to NATIONALISM: A transition from focusing on diverse, multi-ethnic societies to a stronger sense of national identity and sovereignty. See video by Katharine Birbalsingh CBE, a British teacher and education reform advocate who is the founder and Headmistress of Michaela Community School in London. She is author of multiple books including Michaela: The Power of Culture. This talk was given on Day 3 of the ARC Conference 2023, discussing what it would take to rebuild the social fabric. She gives practical wisdom to multi-cultural and multilingual communities like in South Africa.
• From Equality to JUSTICE: Shifting the emphasis from “equal outcomes” for all to fair treatment and opportunity based upon individual circumstances and merit. God gives us wisdom how to deal with hierarchies.
• From Human Rights to Human OBLIGATIONS: A pivot from emphasizing individual rights to highlighting the responsibilities each person has towards society, responsible citizenry.
• From Individuality to COLLABORATION: Moving away from a sole focus, on individual achievements to valuing cooperative efforts and communal success. This means managing interpersonal relationships must become a mastery.
• From Irrationality to COMMON SENSE: A turn from often impractical or extreme ideas back to practical, grounded reasoning.
• From Superficial to Deep, Meaningful RELATIONSHIPS: Transitioning from fleeting, surface-level interactions to fostering profound and significant connections. Social media is being navigated more effectively for those who are aware of it’s abuse.
• From Unchecked Expression to Robust Public Fact-Checking and DEBATE: Moving from an era of saying and doing anything without scrutiny to one where statements and actions are rigorously examined and debated.
• From Lawlessness to Restorative JUSTICE: Shifting from a lack of consequences for actions to a focus on repairing harm and restoring balance and order.

These shifts are mirrored in recent political trends. In Argentina, the election of the more right-wing, conservative Javier Milei marks a notable change. His appointment has been celebrated by renowned conservative figures like Ben Shapiro, indicating a wider endorsement of this ideological shift^[1]. The liberal agendas are getting decreasing tolerance.

In Canada, Pierre Poilievre of the Conservative Party presents a strong challenge to Justin Trudeau, leveraging what many see as superior common sense. And in the United States, despite legal challenges, Donald Trump’s potential re-election chances signal a continued interest in conservative, progressive leadership.

A recent Gallup Study underscores this trend, indicating a growing popularity of conservative viewpoints. This swing reflects a global reevaluation of values, suggesting a movement towards principles that emphasize accountability, merit, and a more measured approach to individual and collective responsibilities^[2].

In a world still rife with conflict, contestation and opposing group identities we need a BIBLICAL SOLUTION to build BRIDGES and bring PEACE. “Do Business, Not Make War” resonates with more and more people around the world! 

Trade: The Bridging Factor 

It is a fact that people who trade don’t usually fight. Trade reduces the incidence of wars. For business to stop a war, it has to be premised on Biblical Ethics and mutual collective prosperity. 

Because of the “Global RESET” we will all experience various waves of instability.

Now this, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire. (Heb 12:27-29)

The humanistic-view paradigm has reached the end of its pendulum, and a balance is about to occur. The earth is busy re-collaborating itself for scientifically, every negative will be cancelled by a positive. The principle of serving God and bringing about His unshakeable kingdom is not just about avoiding conflict. It’s a profound invitation to a biblical Christ-centered, kingdom-motivated ethical prosperity of mutuality. Scripture guides us in conducting business that uplifts and unites.  How can you do so in your sphere of influence?

The Bible contains a significant number of verses that deal with business, money, and transactional ethics. While it’s challenging to provide an exact number due to the varying interpretations and contexts within which these themes are addressed, it is commonly acknowledged that there are over 2,000 verses in the Bible that mention money and related topics. The Bible extensively addresses unethical methods of acquiring wealth, emphasizing the importance of moral and ethical integrity in financial matters.

REPENTANCE is required from these key wrongful / negative practices highlighted in these scriptures:

• Dishonest gain, wealth accumulated hastily or through deceit is condemned (Proverbs 13:11, 21:6).
• Fraudulent measures are an abomination in the eyes of the Lord (Proverbs 11:1, Leviticus 19:35-36).
• Theft or stealing is strictly forbidden and contrasted with the virtue of honest labor (Exodus 20:15, Ephesians 4:28).
• Usury or exploitative interest, especially against the poor, is denounced (Exodus 22:25, Ezekiel 18:13).
• Bribery and corruption, which pervert justice (Proverbs 17:23, Exodus 23:8).
• Exploitation of the poor and vulnerable through fraudulent practices or denying fair wages is sharply criticized (James 5:4, Proverbs 22:22-23, Leviticus 19:13, Jeremiah 22:13).
• Greed and covetousness are highlighted as root causes of evil and idolatry (Luke 12:15, Colossians 3:5).
• Deception in business, involving dishonest scales and weights, is exposed as worthy of divine retribution (James 5:1-6, Micah 6:11).

How is your Spirit-filled life and decisions demonstrating the kingdom principles that bring peace in your home and work environment? The saying, “If God can get it to you, He will also get it through you”. God requires diligent, good stewardship of what He has given us. Becoming a good businessperson or entrepreneur is part of developing our faith in God.

Business is Spiritual 

How do we continue doing business when the rest of the world is at war? The church must continue and even intensify the focus on being the forerunners and mentors of creating wealth, inventing industry and consistent engaging in the Holy Spirit’s guidance for solutions and fruitfulness. Isn’t it interesting that one of the main reasons why Hitler initiated war was to enviously destroy the monopoly that Jewish businesspeople had occupied in countries (the “Kristallnacht” actions). Money is not the problem but the errors or lack in HOW we spiritually work with money.

In “Business Secrets from the Bible: Spiritual Success Strategies for Financial Abundance,” Rabbi Daniel Lapin presents a unique perspective on the spiritual nature of business, drawing from biblical tradition and the Hebrew language. He writes forty principles for financial success, but I want to highlight that all human activities lie along a spectrum between spirituality and physicality, with business transactions skewing more towards the spiritual. He argues that actions understandable to animals or replicable by machines (A.I.) are more physical, while those beyond animal comprehension or machine capability are spiritual. For instance, a chimpanzee may understand eating but not reading, and machines can’t replicate human loyalty, a spiritual characteristic.

Lapin explains that business, involving voluntary exchanges and economic decisions, is fundamentally a spiritual process as it requires conscious thought and human interaction, elements that animals and machines cannot replicate. He emphasizes that humans naturally superimpose spirituality on their actions to avoid feeling purely animalistic, adding rituals to even the most basic activities to elevate their spiritual significance.

Which room in your home enjoys the most attention or decoration? It has enjoyed the most conscious thought or human interaction. This will reveal which area of your life or thoughts is most effective or spiritual.

EMPLOYERS MENTORING EMPLOYEES

So, spirituality is the realm of the unmeasurable, unquantifiable, invisible.  You can either do everything yourself or extend yourself to pay others to do some things for you.  Hiring other people is fundamental to acquiring wealth. How do you choose people who have optimism, are articulate, skillful, and function with integrity, honesty, faithfulness, and loyalty?  These things cannot always be tested and measured.  Spiritual qualities cannot be measured scientifically.   This is why you need to become spiritually aware and sensitive in order to hire the right people and make money! 

Lapin also delves into the Hebrew language, illustrating how it intertwines with these concepts. He notes the Hebrew word for God’s favor, ‘cheyn,’ is etymologically linked to ‘coin,’ ‘gain,’ and similar terms in many languages. This connection suggests a divine aspect to economic transactions and the marketplace. The Hebrew word for a business professional, ‘ohmein,’ sharing a root with ‘amen,’ implies faith, a crucial element in business and spiritual endeavors.

Rabbi Lapin argues against separating business from morality and spirituality, suggesting that secular humanism and socialism fail to recognize the inherent spiritual nature of commerce. He contends that business and religion synergize, as both discourage selfishness and promote a focus on others’ needs. Recognizing the spiritual aspect of business enables individuals to integrate their career with their spiritual life, ensuring that their business practices are morally sound and spiritually aligned. This perspective transforms the pursuit of economic success into an act of emulating divine creativity and fulfilling a broader spiritual purpose.

Faith in the grace of the Holy Spirit enables faithful servanthood and industry on behalf of God. You become a trade-agent of heaven. His concerns become ours. Like Jesus, “being about my Father’s business” (Luke 2:49), the needs of His (other) children is a priority!!! That is how we grow and earn an income!! That is the root cause – earning remuneration integrally for the purpose of helping/meeting the needs of people! Give people His DELIGHT! Every industry infused by the motive of being a blessing of God to people is the very foundation of our existence. All must engage collectively in this godly principle for the goodness of God will follow you – doors will open, favor will be extended, etc.

YOU CANNOT SERVE GOD AND RICHES

“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” Matthew 6:24

Jesus is the cornerstone not only for our spiritual lives but for the way we conduct our lives from the heart. His “servant-king” authority stems from a motive of loving servanthood, not of “lording” or of oppressive domination (Matt. 20:26). As we obediently and humbly learn from Holy Spirit to serve humanity adequately and dynamically, His grace meets our faith in Him to meet both our needs and that of our neighbour’s. True fulfillment and abundant living (and reward) results in those who diligently seek Him above seeking wealth. What we have sown from His life and guidance will reap fruitfulness and provision in the natural. As we have made Jesus the Lord of our lives, let us resist the lure and temptations of spiritual independence / Mammon.

Happiness Is Not In Money

What makes people truly happy? A very thorough study referenced in the video, “What The Longest-Running Study on Happiness Reveals” and elaborated in the book The Good Life: Lessons from the World’s Longest Study on Happiness by Robert J. Waldinger and Marc Schulz, Ph.D.^[3], offers profound insights into the true sources of lifelong happiness. Contrary to popular belief that wealth and material success are key to a fulfilling life, the study concludes that two primary factors contribute to lasting happiness:

• healthy, meaningful relationships
• physical health and well-being.

Therefore, this groundbreaking research, which spans several decades, meticulously tracks and analyzes the lives of individuals from varied backgrounds. The study’s longitudinal nature allows for an in-depth understanding of the factors that contribute to a person’s long-term happiness and well-being. One of the most significant findings is the central role of relationships in a person’s life. Relationships that are deep, meaningful, and healthy have a direct and profound impact on overall happiness. These relationships provide emotional support, reduce stress, and contribute to a sense of belonging and purpose.

Physical health and well-being are also identified as crucial to happiness. This encompasses not only the absence of illness but also the presence of good physical habits and routines that maintain the body’s vitality and function. The study suggests that maintaining physical health is not just about longevity but also about enhancing the quality of life and enabling individuals to engage more fully with their environment and relationships.

Interestingly, the study reveals that while money is necessary for basic needs and comfort, it is not a reliable source of long-term happiness. Beyond a certain point, the accumulation of wealth does not significantly contribute to a person’s overall happiness.

The Balance of Prayer / Meditation and Meaningful Work 

We want this happiness of being a blessing in meaningful relationships and vibrant health and living, not to engage in life-destroying war. Therefore, remaining active in God’s business, is His instrument in engaging in His discipleship to become more like Him. That includes a consistent and vibrant prayer life.

Based on a Maamar of the Lubavitch Rebbe, Menachem Mendel Schneerson, it is learned that meditation and prayer, while spiritually transformative, do not match the power of doing business ethically (Padah B’Shalom, 5739). We get transformed when we prayerfully and dependently include God in all endeavors, and in so doing, we also represent Him adequately in character and discipline within the workplace. In South Africa, the social grant system plays a crucial role in supporting a significant portion of the population. As of the latest reports, around 29-million South Africans are beneficiaries of various government grants. These grants include disability payments, child support, and pensions for the elderly, among others. They are designed to provide financial assistance to those in need, particularly individuals and families living below the poverty line.

With only about 7.4-million taxpayers, the country faces a challenging situation. This disparity highlights the ongoing issues of unemployment, economic inequality, and the heavy reliance on a limited taxpayer base to support a large portion of the population. These are mere temporal aids and do not develop and maintain the long-term nation’s dignity and self-worth to embrace becoming employable and to engage entrepreneurial values. You are not on earth to remain a consumer, but to grow and develop into saints who bless.

The Bottom Line: A Culture of Contribution

In a balanced and thriving society, the principle of contribution is key, extending across all age groups. It’s essential for everyone, including children, to engage in activities that contribute to the household and community. For children, this involvement should be age-appropriate and nurturing, focusing on household responsibilities rather than labor. It’s about instilling a sense of responsibility and teamwork, not exploiting their efforts.

Similarly, older adults should be able to stay active in the workforce. Their participation should be tailored to their abilities, ensuring that they can contribute without physical strain or undue stress. This approach respects their experience and wisdom while recognizing their changing capacities.

Embracing a culture of contribution fosters a sense of purpose and belonging for all, enhancing societal cohesion and individual fulfillment. 

Victimhood, Protests and Civil Unrest

These are premised on the notion that someone rich has something to lose. Thus, the imminent threat of destabilization is an effective means to get something from the rich.  The reality in South Africa is, that business is suffering, profits are marginal, and very few are still able to give, which renders protest actions meaningless.

The most effective pathway out of victimhood involves a constructive approach that focuses on skills development, empowerment and personal growth, rather than glorifying or overly sympathizing with the state of being a victim. This process entails guiding individuals towards self-reliance and maturity, equipping them with the skills and confidence needed to stand on their own two feet independently. Additionally, encouraging them to extend help to others not only fosters a sense of community and compassion but also reinforces their own sense of agency and purpose. This holistic approach cultivates resilience, fosters personal development, and transforms the experience of victimhood into an opportunity for growth and positive contribution to society.

“Aid” Versus Discipleship 

Shifting from Aid to Discipleship in Business Support.

While providing aid is crucial for immediate relief, its impact often remains short-term. A more sustainable approach involves moving beyond mere aid to fostering discipleship. Imagine if every robust and healthy business committed to the mentorship of a small entrepreneur, guiding them towards success over a five-year period. A strong business can develop in five years and that model can duplicate into the longevity of the business of many more generations and assist other businesses.

This discipleship model would not only offer the necessary support and resources but also impart valuable skills, knowledge, and strategies for long-term business growth. Such a collaborative effort would empower budding entrepreneurs, leading to a more sustainable and thriving business community.

Becoming a strong business flourishing entity, with an agile and respected army is vital to maintain peace. Former US president, Ronald Reagan, a proponent of this philosophy, famously said, “We maintain the peace through our strength; weakness only invites aggression.” This is why we should all help one another in a biblical, ethically rooted economy of mutuality to accomplish more together. Once we consistently and patiently demonstrate the love of God and people personally experience it, respect and trust are cultivated in the ethic of work.

Greek Word: Pragma (πρᾶγμα)

Pragma is a Greek word that means “thing done,” “fact,” or “matter.” It is sometimes translated as “business” or “affair.” In the context of the Parable of the Minas, it underscores the expectation of the master for his servants to be actively engaged in business or productive activities with the resources entrusted to them.

Multiplying your “talent”: Industriousness and Entrepreneurship

The Parable of the Pounds (not talents) from Luke 19:11-27

This parable is not the parable of the talents but of the pounds. The ten talents was an amount that spanned three months wage. He instructed them to be pragmatic and industrious. They had to multiply that wage to be ten times more successful. The most important lesson from this parable is there is a direct link between the measure of multiplication and the number of cities one can rule. The principle of true authority / discipleship / mentoring is found in Jesus’ teachings.

What if politicians first prove their success in the business world before trying to lead Nations?

According to Elon Musk, the world-famous inventor and philanthropist of revolutionary new ideas, starting a new business, particularly as an entrepreneur, is notoriously difficult. This is why we need to be disciplined, mentored, and supported towards success!

SCRIPTURAL ENCOURAGEMENT for multiplication (not loaning):

Ask the Lord for wisdom to multiply what He has given you without loaning money. Show your faithfulness in this and God will trust you with greater.

1. Proverbs 31:16: “She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.”
2. Proverbs 10:4: “Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.”
3. Proverbs 14:23: “In all toil there is profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.”

HIGH-QUALITY WORKMANSHIP (EXCELLENCE):

1. Exodus 35:31-32: “He has filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills— to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze.”
2. Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”
3. Proverbs 22:29: “Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.”

Two greatest ENEMIES: Greed and Laziness

The less you do, the less you want to do! God has designed industriousness and lbessing for each day of your life – even into your old age.

Laziness disguises itself in greed. If you don’t master the storm on the inside, the storms outside will not subside.

Scripture on Greed

1. 1 Timothy 6:10: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
2. Luke 12:15: “Then he said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.'”
3. Ephesians 5:5: “For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.”
4. Colossians 3:5: “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.”
5. Proverbs 15:27: “The greedy bring ruin to their households, but the one who hates bribes will live.”
6. Exodus 20:17: “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”

Scripture on Laziness

1. Proverbs 13:4: “The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.”
2. Proverbs 20:4: “Sluggards do not plow in season; so at harvest time they look but find nothing.”
3. Proverbs 6:6-11: “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest— and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.”
4. 2 Thessalonians 3:10: “For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: ‘The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.‘”
5. Proverbs 19:15: “Laziness brings on deep sleep, and the shiftless go hungry.”
6. Ecclesiastes 10:18: “Through laziness, the rafters sag; because of idle hands, the house leaks.“
7. Proverbs 12:24: “Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor.”

Reinforce your focus on the resurrection and creative life of Jesus within – seeking His kingdom and righteousness as a priority. Forsake and let go of all worry, fear, anxiety and the need to control your life. He promised that as you decide on His resurrection life and new vision, all your needs will be met (Matt. 6:33) as you are a blessing to your home and community. It is not about your agenda, but your surrender to Him to be about your Father’s business. He partners with us through our faith in Him to fulfill the destiny He designed for our lives. Your life is important and matters about God – what He has written, or purposed for your life, He will fulfill.

Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.
And in Your book they all were written,
The days fashioned for me,
When as yet there were none of them. (Psalm 139:16 NKJV)

“being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6

I am thankful for each believer, each child of God in our ministry who has offered their work as worship to God. In so doing, God receives all the glory through our lives surrendered to the Holy Spirit.

Take your stand in the place He has ordained for you in the army of God to be an unashamed worker whose life is based upon His Word and the Spirit’s guidance. Believe for His business ideas, the right employees, the right work opportunities and the right employers. We take the righteousness of God as a grace gift that enables us to continue be a blessing to people around us.

Let us continue to pray for one another and to share our testimonies as God answers our prayers to be blessed to be a blessing.

^[1] https://youtu.be/GHdwKl1a1mg Ben Shapiro famous Conservative Celebrates Milei’s appointment.

^[2] https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/aug/09/americans-conservative-obama-trump-joe-biden

^[3] https://the-good-life-book.com