Luke 5:2-7 “He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then He sat down and taught the people from the boat. When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, ‘Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.’ Simon answered, ‘Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.’ When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.”
Peter knew all about fishing, but Jesus knew all about everything. When Peter obeyed Jesus, his fishing report for the day was over-the-top.
Principle: God is willing to grant productivity when we will listen and obey.
Jerry Colangelo is the former owner of the Phoenix Suns, Arizona Diamondbacks, Phoenix Mercury and the Arizona Rattlers. He is an example of a man who has applied this biblical principle.
After a great college basketball career, Jerry went on to play basketball in Chicago. The wages were not enough to pay the family bills, so he was forced to get a job renting tuxes which did not provide enough income. At rock-bottom, with the glory days seemingly behind him, he met the living Lord, Jesus Christ.
The Chicago Bulls were just entering the NBA and hired Colangelo to help the franchise do road scouting for new talent and help build the business side for the new team. He did so well that he got an offer to be general manager of one of two new expansion teams. He chose the Phoenix Suns with the intention of operating the Suns by Christian principles. His inspiration came through a newspaper article by Billy Graham titled, “Business and Jesus Christ Do Mix. “
What followed was not instant success but resulted in even greater dependency on God. Colangelo said, “It didn’t take me long to realize all that had happened in my life was not something I was responsible for. God had a game plan.”
So put your workday in Jesus’ hands. Have a strategy and a to-do list but be open to divine intervention. If participating with Jesus cuts into your time, do it even if you are weary. Listen to Him by reading His Word and when He’s done speaking to you, follow His leading even if it does not make perfect business sense. Ask others for help if needed and do not let fear deter you. Enjoy the success and give Him the credit.
Discussion:
1. Do you believe business and Jesus Christ “mix”?
2. If so, how have you seen this work in your business?
3. What are the risks of this approach? What do you have to lose?
