Called to Business

“For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors.” (1 Pet 1:18)

We were bought with an incredible price. The blood of Jesus is the most precious commodity in all time and in all eternity. With the spilling of that blood, we were redeemed from eternal banishment, and that sacrifice ushered us into the presence of God, free from sin and death.

How much does God value you if He would not spare His only Son to secure your salvation? You were so precious to Him that He redeemed you to Himself not with mere gold or silver but with the most precious substance in the universe.

It was a massive price to pay, but it reflects the love God has for you.

Quick Prayer: Thank You for the sacrifice You made for me, Jesus. Amen.

“Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.” (Pro 23:5)

We chase after investments and money to enjoy a lifestyle and security. While these are not necessarily bad things, they are a false hope if that are our only source of security.

Wealth can disappear in an instant. Share markets crash, asset bubbles burst, and investments go sour. Economies change; banks and companies fail; and war, revolution, or famine can destroy entire counties.

True peace and contentment coupled with assurance and security can only be found in the One Who never changes and Who is the Rock of Ages.

Quick Prayer: Thank You that there is certainty only in You. Amen.

“The poor are shunned even by their neighbors, but the rich have many friends.” (Pro 14:20)

Friends are a good thing. I am a social being, and I enjoy others’ company and meeting with friends. But are we selective in our friendships? Do we exclude the less fortunate or those who have some social stigma?

Alternatively, do we pursue friendships with people who are of influence or standing so we can gain some respect? We may even do so without realizing our true motivations.

Jesus was called a sinner because He associated with the wrong kind of people. He is our example, and we would do well to emulate Him even if we receive the same tarnished reputation.

Quick Prayer: Give me wisdom in friendships. Amen.

“What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” (Mat 16:26)

When we have an eternal perspective, our worldly trappings come into their true perspective. How important is our salvation and the salvation of others.

The Bible suggests that not even if we gained all the wealth in the world would it be worth losing our souls. Do we really take this perspective, or do we give too much weight to wealth and power?

Those we talk to about Jesus, or should be talking to about Jesus, are poor, blind, and naked without Him and will go to a Christless eternity if they don’t hear, repent, and get saved. It doesn’t matter how wealthy they are; it is of no value.

Quick Prayer: Thank You that You are more valuable than anything. Amen.

“For they will take nothing with them when they die, their splendor will not descend with them.” (Psa 49:17)

Naked we came into the world, and empty handed we will depart from it. We can take nothing with us except the souls we will meet again that we had some eternal impact on.

All the houses, nice clothes, cars, gadgets, and toys will all be gone when we face our Maker in eternity. There are no status symbols, no trappings of wealth, no authority, and no power—just us alone before Him.

Our salvation is assured as we plead the blood of Him who died for us and paid the penalty we would otherwise have to endure. It is a perspective worth dwelling on when we assess what is really important in this all-too-brief life.

Quick Prayer: One day I will be face to face with You. Thank You for the wonderful gift of Your salvation. Amen.

“If they obey and serve him, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity and their years in contentment.” (Job 36:11)

We all would like some prosperity and contentment. Being followers of Jesus doesn’t make us any less capable of enjoying the good things of life. These are good and worthwhile things. They are gifts from the One we serve. God says that He wants to give us this kind of life.

What do we have to do to receive these desirable gifts? We have to be obedient and we have to serve. If we seek first the Kingdom of God, which is wherever He is King and His will is done, then these other things will be added to us.

When we serve, we put His priorities ahead of our own and treat others with respect and deference. As we obey Him and serve His will, we will gain our heart’s desires.

Quick Prayer: I will obey and serve. Amen.

“The wealth of the rich is their fortified city, but poverty is the ruin of the poor.” (Pro 10:15)

There are good things that come with wealth. While there are warnings about wealth, they are usually associated with our attitude toward it and the price we pay to gain it.

When our heart is right before God and we have wealth in balance, it is a blessing from God. It cannot only provide but also protect. It is like a fortified city in that it can bless and protect many. It can be a source of economic prosperity to many people and a safe haven for those who need it.

Poverty can be ruinous and lead to many ills. How we manage our finances and our attitude to money and provision are important to us, and they are important to God. He understands the impact of plenty and of lack.

Quick Prayer: Thank You that wealth surrendered to You is a good thing. Amen.