Philippians 4:11 “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.”
Paul wrote this from prison near the end of his life. Materially he needed everything – food, clothing, and a better place to work and live. Emotionally he needed company, encouragement, good news from the “field” and a larger ministry than his prison guards. Spiritually he needed nothing.
Principle: There is a path to contentment regardless of our circumstances.
A survey of Christian business owners and CEOs named the following as the top five needs in their business life:
1. Community
2. Profitability
3. Balance with work and the personal life
4. Help with difficult relationships
5. Application of Biblical business principles
In the US, community is readily available. I reached into my file drawer and counted the number of Christian business groups I know about. There were 144 of them. They are not in every community, but it does not take a detective to find one in your area. Personally, I belong to two groups to fill the bill – CBMC/Forums and The Influencers. Visit the Internet for a search. If nothing shows up, start a group at your church or among your business friends.
Having this community will help you solve the profitability, balance and relationship problems. Most everyone has dealt with these issues. If you candidly share your circumstances with your group, those challenges can be resolved in a Christian way.
The application of business principles to work is something you can do with help from the Holy Spirit. Open your Bible. pray, and study the Scriptures. Then say “yes” how God leads. Ask your group for confirmation.
Contentment and peace of mind come from intimacy with Christ. This means any or all of the following: filling of the Spirit, friendships, confession, prayer, reading the Word, sharing what you know, journaling, obedience, repenting, reaching out, resting, waiting, surrendering …and more.
You’ve heard it all before. These are not just buzz words. Just do it.
Discussion:
1. Have you been in a group that solved any of the needs mentioned?
2. What is the name and contact information of the group?
3. If you agree that profitability, life balance and people problems are solvable, how has that worked out for you?
4. What is the most helpful Bible study material, or method, for you?
