I normally do this post at the top of the year, but I was inspired to wait until now. With Easter having just past, I though this post would be particularly meaningful at this time of year. My religious theme for 2012 is, "Either I win or I learn, but with God's help I never lose."
I pray that you are inspired by God's word. Your faith in yourself and your business are key to your long-term success. Starting a small business is a spiritual journey. You should pick a verse that will inspire you. I thought it would be helpful to share some of my favorites. Use these bible verses in the good and tough times in your small business.
- Deuteronomy 8:18 NIV But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today. All of our skills and special talents that we use in our businesses are all given to us by God. He gives us the ability to make money and cut deals. He did it for our parents and mentors and he does it for us too.
- Romans 12:2 NIV Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. The bible commands us to be innovative in our businesses. We should not ever try to be like anyone else. The world is still waiting on a better mousetrap, and we should never rest on our successes. We must renew ourselves by being lifelong learners and reading constantly.
- I Thessalonians 5:16-19 NIV Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances; this is the will of God for your life. It is important to have a prayerful life as an entrepreneur; it will help you on those days when things do not go your way. You need to have the strength to thank God, even when you do not win that big contract. God protects us when we do not get opportunities that we think we can't survive without. Always be grateful.
- Proverbs 16:18 NIV Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Many entrepreneurs struggle with pride. Do not be afraid to tell clients or employees that you do not know the answer. Try to diffuse any issues with truth and by taking full responsibility for fixing the problem. Never let your ego get in the way of doing what's in the best interest of your business.
- II Corinthians 9:8 NIV And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. God always delivers to us what we need in order to do our best work. Sometimes he sends a check we need just in time, and other times he sends us creativity to find the best solution to our challenges. Trust in the Lord at all times.
- II Timothy 1:7 NIV For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. Fear is the enemy of entrepreneurship. God wants us to go out with the power he gives us to pursue our ideas in business.
- Hebrews 12:11 NIV No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. You must be fiscally disciplined in business. You cannot put all your hard work at risk by not being focused on your big picture goals and your monthly sales goals. It is painful at times, but it will produce quite a harvest.
- I Corinthians 9:24 NIV Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Running a business is hard. It's a marathon not a sprint. There will be plenty of stumbling blocks in your way. Everyone trips and falls while running this race, but winners get up faster than everyone else. You must do what you need to do to win your race.
- Mark 5:36 NIV Overhearing what they said, Jesus told them, "Don't be afraid; just believe." There will be times when you are the only person who believes in your business dream. Don't be afraid. Believe in yourself and your business idea.
- Ecclesiastes 11:4 AMP He who observes the wind [and waits for all conditions to be favorable] will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap. You must be willing to make decisions in your small business. No one is going to come along and do it for you. Make hard decisions quickly, so you can move on to doing the work needed to help your customers.
- Proverbs 11:14 NIRV Without the guidance of good leaders a nation falls. But many good advisers can save it. It is critical to have a kitchen cabinet of advisors for your small business. Your business will not survive on your experience alone. Pull together four to five people who are invested in your success. The group should include an existing entrepreneur, a customer, a mentor, a lawyer and a accountant. Seek out a mastermind group or peer to peer mentoring program to help as well.
- Philippians 4:13 NKJV I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Whenever you struggle with your self-confidence read this bible verse to yourself. There will be times in your business when you need to force yourself to stretch beyond what you think is possible. You can do it. I believe in you.
Do you have any other bible verses that inspire you? Please share.
For more tips on how start or grow your small business subscribe to Melinda Emerson's blog http://www.succeedasyourownboss.com.
This post originally appeared on Succeed As Your Own Boss.
Follow Melinda Emerson on Twitter:
www.twitter.com/smallbizlady
Proverbs 22:7
#7 of the 11 Satanic rules.
Anton Lavey 1967
Just offering up some perspective.
#6 of the 9 Satanic sins: Lack of Perspective -- Again, this one can lead to a lot of pain for a Satanist. You must never lose sight of who and what you are, and what a threat you can be, by your very existence. We are making history right now, everyday. Always keep the wider historical and social picture in mind. That is an important key to both Lesser and Greater Magic. See the patterns and fit the things together as you want the pieces to fall into place. So not be swayed herd constraints--know that you are working on another level entirely from the rest of the world.
Sorry folks, I believe there is a Grand Architect of the Universe, but everyone should have an open mind.
Can't wait for the responses to THIS post. *hiding under tiny umbrella Wile E. Coyote style* Cue the warner bros. music.
Re rul # 7 - if one gets wealth/success in business through lying, cheating, stealing, conning etc. and comes to the Light all their ill gotten wealth status etc. will be sacrificed. Jesus told the rich young ruler that he would have to sell what he had if he would follow the path of love.
As for #6 - Does it mean don't buck the flow, go with the herd? or does it mean to look ahead and manipulate, so as to direct the herd toward your goals? I suspect the later, which is evil, in that the center is oneself rather than the common good. Good business seeks to serve the common good, which is the only way one can find self love, free of narcissism/ego/pride.
My Drand Architect is the God that the new testament describes through the teaching of Jesus. Who is your Grand Architect?
I am starting my business because for 10 years since I graduated with AutoCAD, no one hired me to work full time.
I am going to keep those verses and put it on my door for everyday to know those verses and what I am to do!
God truly bless you!! :D