Protecting Your Birthright

"But Jacob said, 'sell me your birthright as of this day.' And Esau said, "look, I'm about to die; so what is this birthright to me?" Genesis 25:31-32

Do you know your birthright? Are you guarding it with your life? According to the Old Testament a birthright usually belonged to the oldest son or one sovereignly chosen by the Lord. The birthright included the inheritance of the father's wealth, prestige and special grace. Though in the Old Testament this honor was bestowed upon one child, usually the oldest, in the New Testament we all have the opportunity to inherit great wealth, prestige and grace from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As special as this birthright is, it could be lost. John 10:10a states: "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy."

I strongly believe that he is after the birthright of those who have made Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior and are actively involved in the work of the Great Commission. This birthright is tied to God's overall plan for our lives; to our life mission or the calling that God has for us.

If the devil can keep you from fulfilling your life mission he will keep you from inheriting the wealth, prestige and grace that God has prepared for you. This is especially true for those of us called into the marketplace. We are currently facing very difficult economic times and as a result many have forsaken their calling for security and safety. They believe the lie that the only way to preserve what they have acquired is to play it safe and stop or slow down their pursuit of purpose. This is a lie from the pit of hell and it is a sure way to lose what you have gained and compromise the mission you were given.

How can I protect my birthright at all cost?

1. Do not trade it for anything no matter how desperate you are

2. Obey every instruction that God gives you whether big or small no matter the cost

3. Maintain a righteous lifestyle and give no place to the enemy

During these difficult times we can be tempted as Esau was to trade our birthright for temporary provision whether it be job security, meeting cash flow or increasing our income. Do not yield to temptation and remember the price that Esau paid. He traded the inheritance of the Abrahamic covenant to satisfy his stomach. What is tempting you right now? No matter how tempted you are remember that "man does not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God."

If the devil cannot get us to trade our birthright for something else less valuable, then he will try to cause us to disobey God in the little things. Do not be like King Saul who lost the birthright of his son Jonathan by not fully obeying God's instructions. It is true that there is the temptation of partially obeying God because full obedience seems dangerous and scary. Often God gives us instructions without revealing to us the complete picture or outcome. Remember partial obedience is disobedience. What instructions has God given you? Obey them in full and trust God for the complete outcome.

Finally if he cannot get us to disobey God's instruction then the devil will tempt us to sin. Remember Reuben who committed an unrighteous act with his father's concubine and as a result lost his birthright as the eldest' son. Guard yourself against the pride of life, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eye. The devil will use one of those three methods to cause you to sin and lose your birthright. No matter how tempting the situation or proposition, it is not worth it. It will provide you a temporary high but a permanent and devastating side effect.

Like you, my journey as a Biblical Entrepreneur has not been easy. There have been ups and downs. The temptation of giving up or compromising and selling off the birthright is always present. Esau's statement, "Look, I am about to die; so what is this birthright to me", is not foreign to those of us who are operating in the marketplace as kingdom business people. We should never give into that inner fear that causes us to think if we do not trade off our birthright we will die. Remember, you can make a choice but you cannot choose the consequences. Esau made a choice and he lived to regret it. What choice are you going to make?

Copyright © 2009 Patrice Tsague ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

The Lord is my Chairman

"The Lord is my Sheperd; I shall not want". Psalm 23:1

The chairman is the highest ranking officer on the board of a corporation. Though there is a slight difference between the board chairman of a non-profit and a for-profit organization, the basic responsibilities are the same. The chairman presides over the meetings and provides the leadership to ensure that the organization achieves its mission in a fiscally responsible way. There are times however when this title is merely an honorary designation without any actual executive responsibility. This is especially the case with respect to some for-profits organizations. However in a non-profit environment the board chairman always has a fiscal obligation because the government requires non-profit entities to be particularly accountable to a board.

I have operated a non-profit organization for the past 13 years and have been blessed to have great individuals serve as chairman of our board; individuals that can hold me accountable and to whom I can run to for guidance and support. Individuals that I know beyond a shadow of a doubt have my best interest and the interest of the organization at heart. As great as these individuals have been there is no greater chairman than the Lord Jesus Christ. Whether or not you have an actual board, you need a chairman. Someone you can look to for guidance and accountability. Someone you can run to for support and encouragement. There is no greater chairman then Jesus. The very familiar Psalm 23 written by King David, where he describes God as his shepherd, is a great illustration of what we can expect of our Lord Jesus Christ as chairman of our board of directors. King David understood the importance of God as his chairman as he faced attacks from competing nations, the potential overthrow of his government from within, and even from his own character flaws.

He recognized that he needed a chairman he could rely upon for guidance, accountability, support and encouragement.

As you face the challenges of growing a kingdom business be encouraged by these words as you look to Jesus as the Chairman of your board. Make this a part of your business plan and mediate on it daily:

The Lord is my chairman; I shall not want (no matter the economic condition).

He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me besides still waters. He restores my soul;

He leads me in the paths of righteousness For his name's sake (after all it is His company).

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, (where there is competition, economic crises, limited cash flow, distrust, uncollected receivables, growing payables), I will fear no evil; for He is with me;

His rod and His staff comfort me (His rod and staff is used for discipline and protection but yields the fruit of comfort).

He prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies (He will cause you to prevail in the mist of your competitors and those haters who do not want you to succeed).

He anoints my head with oil; My cup runs over (there is an overflow of joy, gratitude and peace that passes all of your understanding once you have this knowledge that your Chairman Jesus will never leave you and never forsake you).

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and business; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Wow, now I understand why, when David had moral failure and his Chairman gave him the option of personal discipline by Him or by his enemies, he chose to be disciplined by his Chairman. I understand why he had great confidence when he went out to battle even as a young man going against a lion, bear, and a giant. I understand why, when faced with an overthrow of his government by his own son, he did not take matters into his own hands but trusted his Chairman to restore his kingdom.

Is the Lord your chairman? What business issues are you facing? What concerns have you been attempting to address on your own? Why don't you call a board meeting with God the father, the Son and the Holy Spirit and cast your cares upon them since you have the assurance that He cares for you. Keep this prayer in your office and use it to remind yourself during the difficult times who your chairman is and the assurances you have in His promises.

Copyright © 2009 Patrice Tsague ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

Whole Foods CEO

This post may not have so much to do with BAM, but here is a CEO with a mission for his business for sure. Whole Foods CEO John Mackey gave an interview earlier this month to the WSJ, and references to it have popped up in a variety of places. I just think it's worth a read.

Among other things, Mackey says business has a noble purpose: providing needed goods and services, and also providing jobs--this is good for individuals and also for the economy. It's refreshing to hear of a CEO who is not taking an outrageous salary and who is concerned for the good of his employees (Whole Foods has been on the 100 Best Companies to Work For list for 12 years straight).

The 4 Principles of Leadership

Moses' father-in-law replied, "What you are doing is not good. You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone. Exodus 18:18-19

Does the world need another document written on leadership? So many people have written oceans books on every dimension of leadership that one can find. I definitely claim no unique revelation though I must obey my father and bring out that which He has given me. The success of every family, business and government depends solely on its leadership. There is no other greater position upon which rest the rise and fall of any institution. I believe that is why there can never be too much written or read on the subject, it is just that important.

Are Biblical Entrepreneurs leaders? If they are not, then who else can be? As a matter of fact I believe more people are leaders then we think. There are two types of leaders; born leaders and learned leaders. Though they are very few born leaders, most individuals are in position of leadership and as a result must learn how to lead. Position of leadership include: parent, older sibling, committee head, head of a business or organization, supervisor or manager, etc... All of us who find ourselves in any of these positions must take the responsibility to learn how to lead.

As for Biblical Entrepreneurs, like Moses we are called to lead our employees, customers and community from the bondage of an economic system that puts money above God, greed above love, and profits above people to a system that recognizes God as the owner and sovereign ruler of the universe and us are the stewards who must give Him an account for our service to humanity and our handling of His resources. Therefore, as Jethro reminded Moses, we must be reminded that we can not do it by ourselves. We must inspire the people around us to work with us to realize the vision the Lord has laid on our hearts. Leadership is the ability cast a clear vision and provide direction and guidance to others through your example and influence. In order to be an effective leader they are four basic principles that you must continuously walk in.

The principles are as follows:

1. Leadership is service - effective leadership begins with service. Every leader is a servant but every servant is not necessary a leader. To serve is to put the needs of others before your own. The distinction between a leader and a servant is that a servant is only responsible to fulfill an assignment or project while a leader must not only serve but also assume the position of authority and the responsibility of oversight. Faithful service leads to greater responsibilities.

2. Leaders must be responsible - as effective leaders serve faithfully they are rewarded with greater responsibilities. To be responsible is to accept the demands to serve honorably without superior authority and oversight. Effective leaders do not need on site supervision but rather they are always mindful of the responsibilities bestow upon them. If a responsible leader is to be effective he or she must delegate.

3. Leaders must delegate - A responsible leader is able to delegate effectively to ensure that work gets done, without relinquishing his/her responsibility. The more faithful a leader is in their responsibilities the more responsibilities they are given therefore being able to delegate effectively is necessary for them to be able to handle their growing responsibilities. To delegate means to transfer the control of an assignment or project to someone, as well as the ability and authority to carry it out without relinquishing your responsibility. Remember you can not delegate something you have not fully taken responsibility for and delegation does not relinquish you of your responsibilities. Effective delegation leads to accountability.

4. Leadership accountability - Everyone is accountable to someone; effective leaders must give an account and they must demand account from those who report to them. To be accountable is to assume responsibility to achieve certain goals and provide ongoing reports on the status of the goals. Without proper accountability, projects are incomplete and goals go unmet.

How effective are you in your current leadership of your staff and associates? Review each of these principles and allow the Lord to direct you on how you can improve on your current leadership.

Copyright © 2009 Patrice Tsague
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Bible. -->

RCE's Tom Stansbury receives award

RCE Entrepreneur-in-Residence Tom Stansbury was honored as 2009 Biblical Entrepreneurship Teacher of the Year at NPIM's Annual Banquet.

Tom taught Biblical Entrepreneurship in Ukraine and continues to be a strong supporter of Ivan Papish, the director of RCE's daughter center in Ternopil Ukraine. Tom is also a raving fan of the Africa Initiative (formerly the Africa Project) and has a passion for transforming the nations through business.

We're proud he was chosen to receive this award.

Congratulations Tom!

Fight the Good Fight

" Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold of eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses." I Timothy 6:12

In these volatile economic times, some individuals and businesses can be tempted to be distracted from their primary mission or to give up on their assignments altogether. They ask themselves, "Why continue when the forecast looks so bleak and the indicators such as rising unemployment, negative growth, foreclosures, decreased sale revenues, and much more are not very encouraging?" It is in these times that Kingdom businessmen and women need to remember that they started their businesses to meet market needs for profit while fulfilling the Great Commission in the marketplace.

If the focus of your business has become simply to make money, or if your business model is purely transactional, your business could falter during these tight financial times. Your business must promise the delivery of a product or service that meets clear needs in people's lives with a passion, or you will not survive these tough economic times. You may ask yourself, "Why am I doing this?" or "Is there a higher purpose than just making money?" My question to you is: are you involved in the good fight?

Life is a fight and no matter what you are doing you are fighting, either for something or against something. You have to make sure that you are fighting for the right reasons and against the right enemy. The good fight is a battle against the works of darkness for the soul and destiny of humanity. In the marketplace, this battle is waged through the venue of commerce.

Great battles are won or lost not based on the might of an army, but based on the magnitude of the mission and the selflessness of the army's purpose. If an army goes to war just for the treasures of victory and the joy of destroying an enemy, the soldiers will not remain inspired during the difficult times of the war. If, however, their mission is significant and their cause is greater then themselves, then no matter how difficult the war, they are prepared to die for what they are fighting for and that gives them a great advantage.

This is a time to reflect on the reasons you entered into business in the first place. Review your purpose and mission and ensure that it is for a cause bigger than yourself, then realign your activities with your purpose and mission.

Those who are engaged in the good fight cannot lose. The fight was already won at Calvary by our Commander-in-Chief, Jesus Christ. The battle is not ours. It is the Lord's. "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 6:12).

What are you fighting for? Make sure you are fighting the good fight. Then you will have the stamina to make wise business decisions in tough times that will produce profitable physical and eternal dividends.

Copyright © 2008 Patrice Tsague ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.