In today's fast-paced business world, entrepreneurs often find themselves caught up in the relentless pursuit of profit, losing sight of what truly matters. But what if there was a way to build a business that not only thrives financially but also leaves a lasting impact on the world and honors God? Welcome to the world of biblical entrepreneurship, where faith and business intersect to create powerful, transformative legacies.

The Challenge of Building a Lasting Legacy

As entrepreneurs, we all dream of creating something that outlives us – a business that continues to make a difference long after we're gone. But the harsh reality is that many businesses fade away once their founders step down. According to a study by the Family Business Institute, only 30% of family businesses survive into the second generation, and a mere 12% make it to the third.

This sobering statistic begs the question: How can we build businesses that stand the test of time and continue to impact lives for generations to come?

The Biblical Approach to Business: More Than Just Profits

The answer, according to Lance Vantine, host of the IBaM Biblical Entrepreneurship show, lies in building our businesses on biblical foundations. But what does this really mean?

"All throughout the scriptures we see that the most important thing for building long-lasting things of legacy... begins on the basis of character," Lance explains.

This approach challenges the conventional wisdom that focuses solely on profit margins and market share. Instead, it puts character development and God-centered leadership at the forefront of business strategy.

The Crisis of Short-lived Businesses

Imagine pouring your heart and soul into building a successful business, only to watch it crumble once you're no longer at the helm. This is the reality for many entrepreneurs who fail to lay the right foundations for their legacy.

The Worldly Approach to Business

The root of this issue often lies in a worldly approach to business that prioritizes short-term gains over long-term impact. Many entrepreneurs fall into the trap of:

1. Putting profits before purpose

2. Neglecting character development

3. Failing to instill lasting values in their successors

The Consequences of Neglecting Biblical Principles

When we ignore biblical principles in our business practices, the consequences can be severe:

- Loss of ethical direction

- Damaged relationships with employees and customers

- A legacy that crumbles once the founder is gone

Lance paints a vivid picture of this scenario:

"Imagine a world where every impoverished community has the opportunity to thrive economically and spiritually. But too often, aspiring Christian entrepreneurs lack the resources and support to pursue their God-given callings. Without financial assistance, business education, and mentorship, their dreams remain unfulfilled and their potential to impact lives for the kingdom goes unrealized."

Building a Legacy Business on Biblical Foundations

The solution lies in adopting a biblical approach to entrepreneurship. This means:

- Putting God first in all business decisions

- Developing Christ-like character

- Focusing on serving others rather than just making a profit

- Preparing the next generation to steward the business well

The Blueprint for Biblical Entrepreneurship

Now that we understand the importance of building our businesses on biblical foundations, let's explore the key principles that can help us achieve this goal:

1. Develop Christ-like Character

At the heart of biblical entrepreneurship is the development of Christ-like character. As Lance emphasizes:

"When our interior life is cleaned up, when the Holy Spirit is ruling and reigning within, we can better lead and prepare our generational bloodline or those who will continue to lead in our business."

This focus on inner transformation sets the stage for authentic, impactful leadership that can weather any storm.

2. Prioritize Servant Leadership

Jesus provides the ultimate example of servant leadership:

"We know that the Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many."

By adopting this mindset in our businesses, we create a culture of service that resonates with employees and customers alike.

3. Seek God's Guidance in All Decisions

Making God the ultimate CEO of our businesses ensures that we're always aligned with His purposes. This means:

• Starting each day with prayer and reflection
• Seeking wisdom from Scripture when facing tough decisions
• Being open to divine inspiration for innovation and growth

4. Invest in the Next Generation

Building a legacy business requires intentional preparation of future leaders. Lance advises:

"We want to pour into the people that we know will steward well, that which we have produced in the power and wisdom of the Holy Spirit."

This involves:

• Regular mentoring sessions with potential successors
• Teaching biblical business principles
• Modeling Christ-like character in all interactions

5. Maintain a Eternal Perspective

While profits are important, biblical entrepreneurs keep their eyes on the ultimate prize – eternal impact. As Lance reminds us:

"May we desire to build legacies, build legacy businesses not in our own strength, not for our own name, but may we do so for the glory of God."

This eternal perspective helps us make decisions that may not always maximize short-term profits but will yield lasting fruit for the Kingdom of God.

The Power of Biblical Entrepreneurship in Action

To illustrate the transformative power of biblical entrepreneurship, let's consider the story of Sarah, a single mother in rural Africa. Through a biblically-based entrepreneurship program, Sarah received:

1. A small business loan (Give a fish)

2. Entrepreneurial training (Teach to fish)

3. Spiritual mentorship (Equip for disciple-making)

With these resources, Sarah started a small farming venture that not only allowed her to feed her children and send them to school but also became a beacon of hope in her community. Her business, built on biblical principles, is now inspiring others to pursue their God-given callings and break the cycle of poverty.

Your Role in the Biblical Entrepreneurship Movement

As we've seen, biblical entrepreneurship has the power to transform lives, uplift communities, and spread the Gospel globally. But this vision requires the support of passionate individuals like you.

Lance issues a powerful call to action:

"Don't let another day pass without unleashing the transformative power of biblical entrepreneurship. Become a donor now and invest in eternal impact."

By supporting organizations that promote biblical entrepreneurship, you can play a crucial role in:

1. Providing business loans to aspiring entrepreneurs in impoverished communities

2. Offering entrepreneurial training based on biblical principles

3. Connecting mentors with budding business leaders

Your investment can be the catalyst that sparks a global movement of Christ-centered businesses, creating a ripple effect of positive change that extends far beyond our lifetimes.

Building a Legacy That Lasts

In a world obsessed with quick wins and short-term gains, biblical entrepreneurship offers a refreshing alternative – a path to building businesses that not only succeed financially but also leave a lasting impact on the world.

By putting God first, developing Christ-like character, and intentionally preparing the next generation of leaders, we can create legacy businesses that stand the test of time and continue to shine the light of Christ long after we're gone.

As you reflect on your own entrepreneurial journey, ask yourself: Am I building a business that will crumble once I'm gone, or am I laying the foundations for a legacy that will impact generations to come? The choice is yours. Will you join the biblical entrepreneurship movement and build a business that truly matters for eternity?

Remember, in the words of Lance Vantine, "Wherever the glory of God is and shines, truly there is purpose and meaning." Let's build businesses that shine brightly for His glory, transforming lives and communities for generations to come.

Listen to the podcast on itunes here:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/international-business-as-mission/id1757096551

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