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3 Tips for Honoring God When Going Into Business with a Friend
— by Pia De Los Reyes
"The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.”
Genesis 2:15
When God created us, he created us with purpose. He set man in the garden of Eden to work and gave him a partner. In all that we do, we are made to glorify God, so why not apply that to our work and business?
Many of us have God-given gifts and talents. Whether that is a knack for business, knowledge, or craftsmanship, use your gifts to do good work in the name of the Lord. If you feel that Christ is calling you to use your talents as an entrepreneur, consider going into business with a friend. You’ll need courage to take the risk and build your business, and much like God gave man a helper in life, a friend can be there to help in work. When starting a business partnership with a friend, remember to keep in mind these tips to honor the Lord along the way.
1. Find ways to serve and help each other.
“Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
Matthew 20:28
Follow Jesus’ example and bring glory to God in your work, by finding ways to serve your friend and business partner. Be clear and upfront about your duties from the beginning and work on allocating tasks that play to each other’s strengths and talents. Knowing your roles helps start your business and partnership off on the right foot. Serve each other and the Lord in everything you do.
2. Seek each other’s counsel.
"Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.”
Proverbs 15:22
In business, there are both good and bad times. When you're business partners with a friend, you will each be there to support one another. Take comfort in knowing that God and your partner will be there to guide you through taking risks and for counsel when you are in doubt. Lean on each other and your faith in times of stress and doubt. Growing together both in business and in Christ will bring you strength in your friendship and success in your work.
3. Hold each other accountable.
“A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.”
Proverbs 10:4
Your foundation as friends allows you to communicate in an honest and open way. Hold each other accountable in all that you do. Have the courage to call your friend out if they’re not being responsible for their duties or they are conducting business in a way that doesn’t glorify God. If you labor diligently and do good work in the name of the Lord, success will be made possible through Him.
If you’re being called to do the work of God through business, consider partnering with a friend. Although the Lord is always with us and we are never alone in any endeavor, a friend in business will act as a helper, a counselor, and as someone to hold you accountable. With a faith-driven partnership, you can accomplish anything through the Lord.
To help you decide if going into business with a friend is the right choice, use this flowchart from Mint for a nudge in the right direction. Ultimately, pray over your decision and the Lord will bless it if it is His will.
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