Business and ministry together, what a thought. But I’ve always heard that business is business and you can’t run a business and ministry together. Why not? Why is business allowed to deal according to the standards of the world system and not the standards of scripture? Why must one keep ministry out of business? It’s because of the lies of the enemy.

Don’t touch the sacred cow? I will indeed and I’ll go further than that. I am so fed up with hearing that it was just a business decision. What about you? Let them stand before Jesus and tell Him that and rest assured, one day they will. Corporate America will not let the ministry into its unethical, treacherous, greedy and power hungry structure. In fact, if it did, that structure would crumple in a heart beat. Who knows, we might even make a new name for ourselves world-wide. Can American business really care about and take care of its clients and customers without hurting anyone? If you mention this now, people wonder what potato cart you fell off. How did we fall so far?

It is interesting that David was a king and a priest before God. In everything he did, he wanted to honor God. He danced in front of the whole city giving praise to his God for their victories. He was the king, so why would he strip off his royal robes and demean himself like that? These were the thoughts of his lovely wife, in fact she thought he made a fool of himself. That would surely be the thoughts of some people if a business owner did that, how much more corporate executives. Perish the thought that they would ever give Him His due.

What about Jesus? He is also king and priest. What about us. Scripture says we are also kings and priests. There is no separation, yet most people don’t even give it any thought. Go to a church building on Sunday and then go and do business the same old worldly way during the week. Hypocrites! No wonder the world has mixed messages about Christians. Did you know the disciples were first called Christians by the Ephesians because they noticed that they were Christ-like. It’s so interesting that we have to promote ourselves as Christians. Why don’t we let others call us Christians instead of touting it so loudly that we totally disturb their peace. We’re probably afraid they wouldn’t see the resemblance.

As I have experienced Corporate America and its dealings with its employees, clients, customers, and the environment we live in, I have acquired a really bad taste in my mouth. It’s all about money, greed and power. Woe to anyone who stands in their way to success. What is more amazing is that we are so willing to put up with it and let them have their way. We have a voice and it’s our pocket book and the legal system. We can say no. We can make a difference. Oh how the mighty are falling. Enron and Worldcom are just the beginning. The veil of secrecy is coming off and many will be surprised at what is going to be revealed. Secrets long hidden will soon be shouted from the housetops. Remember, this is only the beginning.

I have been meditating on something for a long time and now is the time to share it. Christians are selling their souls to the devil. They are selling marketing strategies and inventions given to them by the Lord to the highest bidder and then selfishly living off of the rewards. If that is not bad enough, they are also using the same tactics as their worldly counterpart in their marketing and business dealings. Judgment day is here.

No longer will the old ways of business continue to work. There are new businesses springing up that are solid and ethical. There are new inventions on the way. There is a remnant who will not bow their knee to the god of this world. As the Lord raises up His businesses there won’t be any competition. These businesses will minister to their own, others, and will help to change the environment. These businesses will bring a new meaning to the marketplace. They will bring change. Get ready for the King to take His rightful place. He has heard the cries of the destitute, the hurt, and the broken.

Don’t get left out. Stand up and take your place. Watch for the change, listen to His voice and go for it. You’ve weathered the storms. Now is your time. Simply listen and obey. Be the person you were meant to be and not what someone else wants you to be. Join with those He shows you. Link yourselves together and rise victorious.

Joseph