As young guys who feel called to businesses, we face a common issue:
Many of us find security in our success, or find failure in our lack of it (found in the frustration/impatience of not being able to get moving).
For example -
· You start to make it/have made it financially and that success becomes a barrier that keeps you away from what is really going on in your life, because, as we all know, with financial success comes comfort which begets apathy, or:
· You are like me, starting off and things are slow, and the battle to try and get ahead gets you down, leaving you to question what it is you are actually called to and if you don’t make money, are you even fulfilling God’s plan?
I have had many conversations with peers who feel called to business but who, because business can seem so results-based, see it as a massive burden that weighs them down, rather than an opportunity.
This can cause striving and trying to make decisions in your own time, not in God’s, which may ultimately mean missing out on the best.
Some people get jobs as doctors, teachers, policemen, physio therapists etc, and have two very visible components to their roles. They are paid to do a job, but equally, they are touching people’s lives and making this world “a better place” and this objective is clearly defined as part of the role.
Conversely, in many business-related roles, including mine, it can seem like we don’t have that clear cut black and white distinction showing where it is more than just about money and the success we have in moving up the ladder.
We are taught that we need to fight our way to the top, and when we don’t see the progression or it takes longer than expected, often we can feel as though we are not achieving anything. I think this is because we don’t see the second, larger opportunity right in front of us… to BE an impact in our place of business.
Our security will never come from our success in climbing the ladder. The business workplace is the most powerful, yet darkest place in the city. It needs to be touched and we are not just there to climb the ladder while stressing ourselves out.
The most important thing for us is just to be there. Consider the journey, not the destination. Just hang out on the ladder. Don’t keep looking up. The ladder doesn’t end. The city needs to be touched and this is our ministry.
James Spence
