I can't take credit for the devotional below, but thought it was worth sharing. In a society that is saturated with Business Opportunities, "Get Rich Quick" schemes, MLM's, Networking Companies, and Home-based Businesses; so many Christians are caught up in the here and now. We're so focused on making more money and getting ahead that we don't understand the spiritual significance of why we are here and what our assignment really is.
The devotional below helps put things into clear terms that even the most accomplished business person can understand it, read & enjoy!
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1 by Os Hillman
Monday, November 16 2009
And He said unto them, How is it that ye sought Me? Wist ye not that I must be about My Father's business? Luke 2:49 KJV
Earth is God's business. He has set up many franchises (churches) designed to send His representatives (Body of Christ) into the world to make known the best product ever given to mankind (Jesus). His branch managers (pastors) have been given the responsibility to teach and support those in the field. God's goal is to establish a franchise in every nation, state, and city. It is the ultimate business because when you introduce someone to His product (Jesus), you receive a reward from the home office (Heaven). God has promised that His representatives will have all the tools and customer support needed to accomplish their strategic plans.
Jesus knew that He was to be about His Father's business. He knew He was sent to earth not to enjoy the pleasures of lowly man, but to accomplish a task for which He alone was sent. When He had accomplished His mission, He was to entrust this mission to other representatives into whom He poured His life for three years. This field training allowed Jesus to mentor, model, befriend, and demonstrate firsthand the model for a successful business to be launched and sustained.
God has big plans for His franchise. He wants every human being to partake of His product; however, even God knows that not everyone will. Nevertheless, this does not thwart His efforts in seeking to make it known among His audience.
You have been called to be part of the ultimate franchise. How many new recruits have you been responsible for bringing into the franchise lately?
Fantastic!!!! ;)
ReplyDeleteTo be honest, I don't like this article. I get the concepts and whatnot, but I think that referring to Jesus as a "product" weakens the message that the Bible gives. I've done the homebased business deal and I work for a huge corporation and I just do not like drawing comparisons between Him and these earthly things - comparing them as if they are on the same plane. I've heard in other instances where churches are referred to as having market shares. I think they are two separate things as giving is something between yourself and God - spiritual. (That is another subject for another day.) I know this is not what the reader intended for someone to get out of the article, but this is how I feel and you asked for my comment/opinion. :)
ReplyDeletesorry, i meant to say, "what the writer intended"
ReplyDeleteI think God will use any and all means to communicate what He wants to say, even a donkey!
ReplyDelete