Profit or Principals: Leveraging Faith for Business Success in a Secular World

Al Ware: 0:00

Hello and welcome to Tech Almighty. Exploring the fusion of God, technology and business, the show where faith meets innovation. I'm Al Ware, your host. Today's topic profit or principles leveraging faith for business success in a secular world. Let's dive in.

Al Ware: 0:18

In life, and especially in the world of business and technology, we often encounter challenges that seem to stack the odds against us. It's easy to feel overwhelmed or discouraged in these moments, but what if I told you that those challenges and setbacks could be the launching pads for some of your greatest successes? The Bible has been a constant source of wisdom and inspiration throughout my journey. Verses like Philippians 4-13, I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me has been a powerful reminder of the strength we can find in faith when faced adversity. In my early days as an entrepreneur, I faced many challenges. There were times when resources were scarce, when hardly anyone wanted to do business with me and when I didn't know how I was going to make ends meet. But in those challenges I found a hidden opportunity. A major lesson I've learned was to view adversity as a puzzle to be solved and not a burden. This shift turned moments of frustration into opportunities for creativity, innovation and growth. As we continue on with today's topic. I invite you to join me in exploring how we can turn the adversities we face in business into opportunities.

Al Ware: 1:24

Let's start by understanding what discernment really means. In the simplest term, discernment is the ability to judge well. It often involves seeking God's guidance to understand His will in our lives. But how does this translate into the world of business? It's about making wise decisions, understanding the deeper implications of our actions and seeing beyond the immediate to understand the true potential of our opportunities and challenges. The guiding scripture for this discussion is from Proverbs 3, 13-14. Blessed are those who find wisdom in those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. This verse is about the value of wisdom and understanding. In business, as in life, wisdom is more precious than the most valuable earthly treasures, because it guides us to make choices that lead to true prosperity and fulfillment. Now let's break this down into practical terms. In business, we're constantly faced with decisions, some small, others potentially game-changing.

Al Ware: 2:23

Discernment in this context is about more than just analyzing data or following market trends. It's about seeing the bigger picture. It's about understanding not just the what and how, but the why behind what we do. For example, when presented with a business opportunity, conventional wisdom might lead us to immediately consider the financial benefits. However, discernment pushes us to look further. It asks us to consider the long-term impact of the decisions on our company, our employees, our customers and even our personal lives. Will this opportunity align with our core values? Does it contribute to our broader mission? How will it affect our relationship and reputation? These are the deeper questions that discernment brings to the surface.

Al Ware: 3:05

In my own journey, there have been numerous times when this kind of discernment has been important. I recall an instance when a lucrative deal was on the table. On paper it looked perfect. It promised high returns, increased visibility and market expansion. However, something didn't feel right. Using this discernment, I took a step back and I prayed for wisdom, much like when Solomon asked God for an understanding heart to govern his people wisely. Through this process, I realized that, while the deal was financially attractive, it required compromises that didn't sit well with my Christian values. It involved partnerships with entities who practices were ethically questionable. The short-term gains were clear, but the long-term impact on our company's integrity and reputation was a major concern. This is where discernment in business becomes a blend of practical wisdom, ethical consideration and spiritual insight. It's about understanding our businesses are not just profit-making machines. They are a reflection of our values and beliefs. The decisions we make, the partnerships we form and the practices we adopt all speak volumes about who we are and what we stand for as we move forward. In our discussion today, I encourage you to think about how discernment plays a role in your business decisions. Are you taking the time to look beyond the immediate financial benefits, and are you considering the long-term impact of your decisions on your values, your people and your mission? Now I want to share a real life business scenario that illustrates the importance of disturbing and Christian values in entrepreneurship.

Al Ware: 4:29

This story revolves around my encounter with a company. Let's call it Company A. Now. I had always admired Company A. They were the tightens of my industry and their endorsement could be a game-trager for any business, especially a growing one like mine at that time. So imagine my excitement when, out of the blue, they expressed interest in working with us. It felt like a dream come true.

Al Ware: 4:50

But soon after, that dream presented a major challenge. Company A was impressed with our portfolio and presented a collaboration, but this is the catch they weren't willing to pay for my company services. This was a tough pill to swallow and in my mind I was thinking how could such a successful company expect us to work for free? Instead of immediately turning them down, I allowed my Christian faith and values to guide me. I was in a spiritual prayer and reflection, seeking wisdom and patience in the face of this dilemma. In the Bible, james 1 5 says if any of you lack wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all, without finding fault, and it will be given to you. So I asked for wisdom, not just for an answer, but for understanding.

Al Ware: 5:33

As I reflected, I realized that this scenario is in my favor. So I put together a strategy, knowing that Company A was not offering monetary compensation. So I asked for recognition and credibility. I had painted a picture of the amount of value we were delivering to them and how they needed to match that value. I had presented In Matthew 25, 14-30, where servants are entrusted with their master's money. The servant who bears his talent is reprimanded, while those who invest and generate more are rewarded. This parable speaks to the importance of making the most of the opportunities we are given, even if they don't seem ideal at first.

Al Ware: 6:07

With this perspective, I started to see the offer from Company A in a new light. It wasn't about what we were given up. It was about what we were going to gain. I was thinking about how this collaboration could place our work in front of a much larger audience, potentially leading to more significant, lucrative projects in the future, and how we could elevate our brand, showcasing our skills to our broader market. I accepted Company A's offer, but with a strategic approach ensuring that I had set clear boundaries and with a clear definition of what success needed to look like for my company. This decision was made lightly. It required a leap of faith and a trust in the wisdom that God granted me when I asked for it. It also required patience, as the benefits of this decision wouldn't be immediate. In hindsight, this decision was important.

Al Ware: 6:51

The project with Company A did exactly what I had strategically planned. Our work received tremendous exposure, leading to new clients who are willing to pay for our services. We were featured in several high profile publications, which boosted our credibility and helped us to be recognized as one of the top design studios in the world. This experience taught me that sometimes the best business decisions are about understanding and aligning with our long term vision and values, as Christian entrepreneurs were called to look beyond the surface, to seek wisdom and understanding and to trust that even in challenging situations, there are opportunities for growth and success. Now let's talk about finding opportunity in adversity. Romans 828, which says and we know that in all things God worked for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. This first teaches us to look for the silver lining in every challenge and to trust that even in the midst of difficulty, there can be a beneficial outcome.

Al Ware: 7:43

When Company A initially approached me with their offer that lacked financial compensation, it seemed like a clear disadvantage. The immediate reaction of most people would be to decline, viewing it as unfair. However, I chose to look deeper to find the hidden opportunity within this apparent setback. Instead of focusing solely on what we weren't getting financially, I began to think about what we could gain. Now let me break down the key considerations I took into account that Company A had offered. Keep in mind my decision accepting the offer was based on long-term goals I had set for my company Brand visibility and recognition.

Al Ware: 8:17

Working with a prestigious company like A could significantly enhance our brand's visibility. This exposure was something money couldn't buy, at least not at the scale Company A could offer Portfolio enhancement. Adding a project under this caliber to our portfolio will showcase our capabilities to future potential clients. It would be a testament to our quality and adaptability. Network opportunities Collaborating with Company A could open doors to networks and connections previously beyond our reach. It could also lead to relationships with other industry leaders and potential clients, learning and growth. This project promised to be challenging, pushing us out of our comfort zone. Such challenges are opportunities for growth, allowing us to refine our skills and expand our expertise.

Al Ware: 8:57

As entrepreneurs, we often face situations where the path forward is in clear cut. It's in these moments that our faith and values guide us. Romans 828 reminds us that every situation, no matter how daunting, holds potential for good. But recognizing this good requires faith, insight and a willingness to think outside the box. In embracing the opportunity with Company A, I was practicing what I like to call faith forward thinking. This is about believing that there is a purpose in every situation and that, with wisdom and foresight, we can align our actions with this purpose. The entrepreneurial journey is filled with moments of adversity. It's in these moments that our character and resilience are tested, but, more importantly, it's also in these moments that we have the opportunity to demonstrate our faith and values in action. As we draw near to the conclusion of today's episode, let's take a moment to reflect on our discussion together.

Al Ware: 9:45

Discermint in business. We started by introducing the concept of discernment, a critical skill for any entrepreneur. This biblical skill of wisdom guides us in making informed and wise decisions. Remember Proverbs 313-14, which teaches us the value of wisdom and understanding, emphasizing their importance over material wealth. Discermint is about seeing beyond the immediate profits and challenges, understanding the long-term implications of our actions and aligning them with our core values and principles. Finding opportunity and adversity we dived into the entrepreneurial mindset of turning challenges into opportunities, guided by the scripture from Romans 828. The story of our interaction with Company A served as an example of this principle. Despite the disadvantage of not receiving monetary compensation, we found value in increased brand visibility, enhanced credibility and the invaluable networking opportunities. Now, as we apply these principles in our own entrepreneurial adventures, let's remember that this journey is not always straightforward. There will be times of uncertainty and difficulty. However, these are the moments that test and strengthen our faith and character. There are opportunities to put into practice the principles we've discussed today.

Al Ware: 10:49

I encourage you all, moving forward, to approach your business ventures with discernment. Seek opportunities in every situation, no matter how challenging they may seem. Let your business practices be a reflection of your Christian ethics, demonstrating integrity, fairness and a commitment to making a positive impact in the world. Now let us end this episode with a prayer. If you're in a place where you can close your eyes in focus, I invite you to join me. Heavenly Father, we thank you for the wisdom and guidance you provide for us in our entrepreneurial endeavors. We ask you for your continued guidance and discernment as we navigate the challenges and opportunities in the world of business. Help us to see every situation through your eyes, finding opportunities in growth and impact in the face of adversity.

Al Ware: 11:29

Lord, we pray for the strength to uphold Christian ethics in our business practices. May your actions reflect integrity, fairness and stewardship. Help us to remember that our work is an act of worship and service to you. Give us the courage to make decisions that align with our faith and values, even when it's difficult. We ask for your blessing on our ventures that they may not only prosper but also bring glory to your name. May our business be a source of positive change in this world, reflecting your love and grace. In Jesus' name we pray Amen. Thank you for tuning in to Tech Almighty. I'm Al Ware and it's been a blessing to discuss this critical aspect of leveraging faith for business success in a secular world. Join me next time for more insights where technology, business and Christianity converge. Until then, keep striving for excellence in all you do. Guide it by faith.