“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” Matthew 5:6 ESV
I was privileged to again attend this year’s Asia conference of Business as Mission (BAM) last October 18 to 19. The participants are Christian business owners passionate about running their businesses for God’s glory.
The attendees from the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore hunger and thirst for righteousness in an arena that often is identified with greed for inordinate profit and unethical practices.
The Christian entrepreneurs who were present shared values of being Biblical, Authentic, and Missional in the way they manage their enterprises. They prioritize God’s kingdom purposes, care for their employees and customers, and strive to protect the planet while optimizing shareholder value.
Pastors and theologians spoke on the Biblical foundations of BAM. Case studies were presented by speakers who practiced and experienced the significant positive impact of being biblical, authentic, and missional in their work.
No one claimed that consistency in being Christ-like in business was easy. All testified to the enabling power of God and the guiding wisdom of the Holy Spirit working through the truth of the Scriptures. One former cabinet minister narrated how he significantly reduced corruption in major government projects in his country. A business owner from another country explained how God protected him from extortion by authorities despite his being compliant with government requirements.
Business owners from the Philippines testified how God honored their commitment to be righteous in running their businesses. They not only aim to be ethical and moral. They desire to share the gospel of salvation from sin and the love of Christ to their customers, employees, regulators, and other stakeholders.
What drives the zeal and passion of those who spoke? They hunger and thirst for righteousness in their personal lives. Aware of their sinfulness, they have turned to Christ for their salvation from sin and righteousness before God. They have experienced being satisfied with depending only on Christ- who alone is truly righteous.
These business owners and entrepreneurs are passionate about Jesus, their Savior and their Lord. They don’t just aim to be ethical and moral. They desire to shine the light and love of Christ which they have received from God to others.
One business owner declared his heartfelt and deepest desire- that those he serves in far-flung areas of the country who purchase his firm’s solar light kits will know the light and love of Christ.
It was a God-magnifying two-day conference. I am certain that the business owners who came wanting to learn how to run their businesses righteously were satisfied. Friends, I pray that God will bless Business as Mission Philippines and all the delegates with an intense hunger and thirst for righteousness, a craving of our spirits that Jesus alone can and will satisfy.
