Rick Grove discusses hisexplores book "Does God Care About Your Business?" and explore the intersection of faith and business.
Key Takeaways
- God is neutral about business success/failure, but cares deeply about how we conduct ourselves
- Focus on eternal treasures (relationships, character) over earthly treasures (profits, growth)
- Use business as a tool for ministry and blessing others, not as a source of identity or worth
- Listen for God's wisdom in business decisions, even when it seems counterintuitive
Topics
Book Overview: "Does God Care About Your Business?"
- Explores the question of God's role and interest in business success/failure
- Written from perspective of long-time business owner, not theologian
- Challenges notion that business success equals God's blessing
- Emphasizes God cares more about conduct and relationships than profits
God's Perspective on Business
- God is largely neutral about business success or failure
- More concerned with how we conduct ourselves in business
- Wants us to use "good and perfect gifts" (talents, resources) wisely
- Differentiates between earthly treasures (profits) and eternal treasures (relationships)
Redefining Business Success
- Success shouldn't be measured solely by profits or growth
- True success is using business to bless others and honor God
- Example: Chick-fil-A closing on Sundays out of obedience, not for publicity
- Shift focus from "ranking" (profits) to what "defines" us (character, relationships)
Practical Application in Business
- Treat employees as valuable people, not just producers (e.g. thanking them for paychecks)
- Look for ways to use business as avenue for ministry and blessing others
- Listen for God's wisdom in decisions, even when it seems counterintuitive
- Be willing to obey if God calls you to leave business behind
Cautions for Faith-Based Businesses
- Businesses explicitly claiming to be ministries are held to higher standard
- Danger in trying to be a "hybrid" - neither fully ministry nor fully business
- Ensure business success doesn't become an idol replacing worship of God
