Business Leader: A vocation

           Does this scenario look familiar? Many of us hate Mondays because it reminds us that we have to endure a week of monotonous filing of reports and soul-crashing deadlines. But our purpose for work as a business leader is not just about self-advancement, financial freedom or securing you and your family's need. We are called for a higher purpose. 

“It is God who has called you, who has destined you for this work, and who has sent you to work in His vineyard. Do this, then with all the affection of your heart, working entirely for Him” 

-- (MTR 201.1; see also MDF 87.2, 99.2)

            Yes, we are called by God to minister in the world of business. He chose you and me, to become His representative, to serve other people for the common good. We are supposed to look at work as a privilege and delightful gift from God. He heave to "rely" on our skills because He wants us to participate in His creativity. Moreover, our work is an act of worship. If we can only comprehend our true purpose and high vision of work rather than monotonous burden, then we won't have to drag ourselves to the office every single day. Many of us, started in our job with excitement and passion. But our high vision for work is impaired by seeing it as a routine and burden rather than a privilege. Thus, I listed some of the key themes of a business leader that would remind us that this is not just a mindless routine but a wondrous privilege.

1. Business is a Vocation.

    Our work is our vocation. It is a genuine human and Christian calling from God. Therefore we have to view our work as an opportunity to honor Him by engaging in human flourishing. "We are not just doing an 8 am to 5 pm duties, we are building, creating, and shaping something just like our Father does. The moment these things sink in our hearts, is the moment our work becomes a calling"- Pastor Jojo Agot, 2015

2. We need to embrace a sophisticated appreciation of the opportunities and challenges facing modern business leaders.

    Oftentimes, we are bombarded with ethical issues and economic difficulties that we need to face. Thus, we need to make wise decisions that will benefit all stakeholders. This will also remind us that we cannot do this alone. We need the strength and wisdom from God. By God's grace, let us work hard.

3. Most business activity occurs at the micro-level of the economy.
 
    Each of us are given a set of unique talents. God placed us to where we are now to use such talents in serving other people and to meet their concrete needs. As I mentioned earlier, we are God's representative. Thus, as a business leader, we are expected to discern, accept and faithfully carry out our vocation with our God-given talents which open up possibilities for human flourishing.

4. Live with Integrity

    Integrity is imperative for a healthy working environment. It starts with honesty, decency and trustworthiness. Being impeccable with our actions, creates respect and will make a difference not only to our professional development but will also enhance the overall company culture.

5. Relativism and utilitarianism that disfigures many contemporary culture represents a clear and present danger to a sound understanding of the vocation of business.

6. Creative and Initiative

   Our work allows us to use our creativity and it gives us delight to build and create something new because it testifies the fact that we are indeed created in God's image. (Genesis 1:27)

I hope that this will inspire us to do well in our work and will give us the feeling of excitement, the excitement that we felt during our first day of work. Together, let us work hard and honor God with where He placed us and what He entrusted us to do.





Sources:
Retrieved from http://pre05.deviantart.net/e41d/th/pre/i/2012/268/8/e/i_hate_mondays_by_sasa_jane-d5fu628.jpg

http://jojoagot.com/2015/07/13/how-is-flipping-burgers-an-act-of-worship/