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An entrepreneur is someone who establishes and manages a new business to make a profit by offering products or services. Typically, an entrepreneur is a self-driven individual who is ready to work diligently and do whatever it takes to launch the business. Entrepreneurs must be prepared to endure challenging times initially if the business takes time to become profitable. Entrepreneurship demands initiative, motivation, willingness to make sacrifices, and patience—qualities that are encouraged in the Bible (Galatians 5:22;1 Peter 1:5-7).
However, entrepreneurship can have negative effects on one’s spiritual life if it becomes an idol or if the entrepreneur prioritizes serving Mammon over God «No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. », (Luke 16:13). Some entrepreneurs get so engrossed in their work that they neglect their family, friends, health, and spiritual well-being. When anything consumes all our attention for an extended period, it can disrupt the balance in our lives. Therefore, Christian entrepreneurs must strive to maintain proper priorities and remember that a business blessed by God will thrive more than one without His blessing. The Lord does not tolerate idols, so a new business owner must ensure that success does not become more important than anything else.
Although Adam was not an entrepreneur, the first task God assigned him after creating him was to work «And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. », (Genesis 2:15). We are designed to work, engage our minds, and utilize our hands.nds to subdue this world and rule over it «And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. », (Genesis 1:28). Scripture praises industriousness and hard work (Proverbs 14:23; Proverbs 31:27; Ephesians 4:28). By contrast, those who are idle are harshly reprimanded (1 Thessalonians 4:11).
Many entrepreneurs desire to become financially independent in order to care for their families, give to the needy, and fund missionary ventures. They have an idea, locate the funds to begin, and take on the responsibility for managing their own companies. When the motivation is honorable, and the business is honorable, God delights to bless it «The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: And he delighteth in his way. », (Psalm 37:23). When an entrepreneur’s motive is selfish or sin-based, the business will not enjoy God’s blessing and may become a hindrance to God’s best plan for the owner’s life. As with all decisions, Christians must seek wisdom from the Lord before taking that first step in establishing a business «If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God,
That giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. », (James 1:5). Part of wisdom is planning ahead (see Luke 14:28-29). When wisdom says it is a good idea, when all costs have been counted and the priorities are straight, entrepreneurship can be a benefit to the entrepreneur and to the world.
