Entrepreneurship and commerce are rife with uncertainty and plenty of challenges, and finding a sense of direction and purpose amid the clamor can be difficult. However, for people of faith, the concept of fulfilling God’s purpose serves as a guiding light, illuminating the path to success and significance.
Fearfully and Wonderfully Made…On Purpose
Psalm 139:13-14 declares, “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” This profound truth underscores each individual’s intrinsic value and purpose that shapes their identity and destiny. For Anne Beiler, founder of Auntie Anne’s, her company’s purpose was born both from pain and a desire to do good, and it was instrumental in her success. “Three things we did not have when we started Auntie Anne’s was formal education, a business plan. We had no capital. But what we had was far more is all we needed. We had a great purpose, we had a great product and we had great people. And that’s what it took.”
For entrepreneurs and business leaders, embracing God’s purpose can mean aligning what they do for work with their purpose and God’s divine will. It involves seeking His guidance and wisdom in decision-making, acknowledging Him as the ultimate source of direction and provision, regardless of the industry or where they fit into the company. As experienced CEO Cheryl Bachelder notes. “There are many good ways to serve God, but work is a very good way to serve God. It is like any other place he puts you. There are many, many people that need to know there is a God and then they are valuable that they’ve been created for a purpose.”
Purpose Drives Direction
Purpose helps give people a direction, and that often manifests and dedication and enthusiasm. And, fulfilling God’s purpose in business encompasses a holistic approach to success that transcends mere financial gain. Dave Hataj remembers that, as a kid, he didn’t enjoy working in his family’s business, but he did it anyway because he had nothing else to do. “But then when I had that come to Jesus moment, all of a sudden life had purpose and meaning. I felt like I was here for a reason. And I started really applying myself at work and really being serious. And my dad later told my mom, after about six months, this kid could double the size of this place if he wanted.” Dave went on to take over his family business, Edgerton Gear, grow it, and transform it into a place of not only success but purpose and kindness.
Cheryl Bachelder not only leads with purpose but helps others find their own purpose, too. “I eventually became a teacher of the purpose of principals in the workplace because there was such a need for people to feel their work and they themselves were valuable. That really became the mission of my career.”
By living out the principles of faith, integrity, and service, purpose-driven leaders can create enterprises that not only thrive financially but also make a meaningful impact in the world. Wiley Mullins built his company, Uncle Wiley’s, around a purpose: helping people be healthier while enjoying the flavors they love. “What I saw was an unmet need in the marketplace and I decided that I was going to create a brand that could address that.”
In a world marked by fleeting success and shifting priorities, the pursuit of fulfilling God’s purpose offers a pathway to lasting fulfillment and significance in business. When leaders find and are led by their purpose, amazing things happen.
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