Know Your Business!

     When a business forgets its business, it’s not long before that business goes out of business.  For example, not too long ago a “Nothing over a dollar” store went out of business.  Why is that?  Other stores that sell items for under a dollar seem to be booming with hardy business.  So why did this one store go belly up?  They forgot what their business was all about and stopped selling things for under a dollar.  Suddenly yellow price stickers were placed on every item on every shelf.  Though some items were less than a dollar, many items were priced much higher than a dollar.  People quit going into the store and the store literally died.  They forgot what their business was all about. 
    Many times, local churches forget what their business is all about.  As a pastor I have received many calls from people who need gas or money to pay their rent or buy food.  Churches can and do provide hand-outs to those who are genuinely in need, but we always do so with the view of bringing people into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and His church.  The church’s business is to save souls, to help make families strong in the Lord, to show people the way to their potential, and to teach the Word of God so people will know how to be victorious over the challenges and temptations in life. 
    The church is not a lending institution (that’s what banks are for), a food bank (the government gives food stamps and other agencies stock pile food for the hungry), a political organization (the church enforces God’s Word not politics), a fast food restaurant, a voucher provider, nor a gas station.  The church is a community of believers who put their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. It is the body of Christ that He said He would build and the gates of hell could not prevail against.  Jesus said, “I must be about my Father’s business” and He knew His business and stayed focused on it. 
    Do you know your business?  If you are a husband or wife you have a responsibility to your family.  Are you a father or mother?  Your business is to raise your children to respect and honor others.  Are you a Christian?  God has given you talents or gifts to use for Him.  Are you a mechanic?  Know your business, be professional, be honest with your clients. 
    Yes, the church has many activities and does many things, but its major business is to lovingly serve the community by way of serving the Lord of the church.  The church is Christ’s business on earth.  The church that tends to its business will grow.  The church that forgets its business will dwindle and close its doors. 
    Many people don’t know that the church is the Lord’s business and He commissioned it to preach the Gospel to every person.  Jesus was disappointed with the religious leaders of His day because they had turned God’s house into a den of thieves. They forgot the purpose of their business.  Know your business and do it heartedly as unto the Lord.  For more info you can visit us at www.JoyChristianMinistries.com

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