By: Dominique Davis
Imagine getting an email about an opportunity that sounds like a dream come true for you. As you’re reading each line of the email, you can feel your heart beating with excitement. You all of a sudden have a boost of energy after reading this email and you’re elated about this potential opportunity.
As exciting as it feels in the moment, how can you tell if this opportunity is for you? How do you know if this is something you should say yes to?
As business owners in today's economy, we all have our minds on business growth and sustainability. If we are not careful, we can be attracted to the carrot that “potential opportunities” can sometimes dangle in front of us. Those things could be elevated status, rapid business growth, influence, or increased revenue. All of these things can distract us from aligning ourselves with the opportunities that God truly has for us. Seeking God's voice in business is important.
Seeking God's voice in business is important.
Discernment and wisdom are crucial as we operate our businesses. The Bible reminds us in Proverbs 3:5-6 to “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” The Lord desires to be intimately involved in our businesses, and discernment opens the door for His wisdom to guide us.
Here are 5 ways that discernment can help business owners:
1. Mitigating Risks:
Discernment helps us to assess potential risks and make informed decisions to minimize them. By seeking wisdom and discernment, we can identify potential pitfalls, evaluate market trends, and make strategic choices that protect our businesses and investments.
2. Employee Well-being:
Discernment extends beyond decision-making; it also applies to how we lead and treat our employees. By discerning the needs and concerns of our team members, we can create a positive work environment that fosters growth, empathy, and collaboration. Discernment helps us make decisions that prioritize the well-being and development of our employees, reflecting the love and compassion of Christ.
3. Customer Satisfaction:
Discernment plays a vital role in understanding and meeting the needs of our customers. By discerning their desires, preferences, and pain points, we can develop products and services that truly serve them. Discerning customers' feedback and adapting our strategies accordingly also helps us build lasting relationships and foster customer loyalty.
4. Seeking God's Kingdom:
Our businesses should not be solely focused on profit and personal gain. Discernment prompts us to consider how our ventures can contribute to advancing God's kingdom on earth. By discerning opportunities to support charitable causes, promote justice, and alleviate suffering, we can use our businesses as instruments of God's love and compassion.
5. Seeking Counsel:
We can all benefit from the wise counsel of others as we grow in our businesses. Discernment helps us to seek wise counsel from trusted mentors, advisors, and fellow believers. Proverbs 15:22 encourages us, "Without counsel, plans fail, but with many advisers, they succeed." By humbly seeking the perspectives and insights of others, we can gain a broader understanding of situations, avoid blind spots, and make more well-rounded decisions.
By seeking His guidance, we can navigate the complexities of the marketplace, make ethical choices, identify opportunities, and build businesses that honor God and bless others.
About The Author:
Dominique is the owner of Leap Strategic Partners. Connect with her on Instagram or LinkedIn.