Business or Religion?

This is America. We don’t mix business with religion. We are free to pursue life, liberty, and happiness without the burden of a state-sponsored (or worse, state-mandated) religion. These United States are a melting pot of various heritage, genders, colors, creeds…and religions. That’s what makes us great.

About now, some of you are wondering if you’ve stumbled upon the wrong blog.

No. You’re in the right place. I just chose to start my blog with statements I hear frequently that we in business use to justify remaining silent when the topic of religion arises.

Why?

Well, to get your attention, of course.

Here’s how I should have started this entry:

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear (1 Peter 3:15, NKJV)

Just this past week I had the opportunity to sit with new friends and share some of what Christ is doing in our lives. We shared a little about our histories and our goals. We talked about the origin of our faith, the path we were walking, and some of the people we’d along the way. We shared our stories and found strength in our new and growing relationship.

And we did it at a business social.

In a bar.

Over beers.

---Gasp!---

Some of you missed the point. (Or I purposely introduced conflict to see if you’d bite.)

We met in a bar over beers to discuss business. But we took the time to discuss Christ as well.

In 1 Peter 3:15, we’re told to always be ready to defend the source of our hope – Jesus Christ. In Luke 2, Jesus is chastised by the Pharisees and legalists for eating among sinners.

If Jesus met sinners where they were, why can’t we the sinners meet Him where He is – in a bar? Why can’t we, the servant leaders of GovCon, bring Jesus to a business social, convention, or customer visit?

We can.

We should.

Will we?

That’s my challenge to you today, Servant Leader. Wherever you are, wherever you’re going, let Jesus come along. He might show you a different path or He might simply support the path you’re walking. Either way, it’s His plan you’re living, so you might as well bring Him along for the ride.

Have a blessed Saturday, Servant Leader. God doesn’t promise tomorrow.