My Father’s Business – what a joy and privilege!

When I started work in the 1980s, it was my desire to see God’s purpose accomplished in my life. After having worked for more than 10 years, the Lord impressed on me to take a break from my job to study theology. At that time I had just been promoted and my career seemed nicely laid out. Many loved ones and friends were concerned whether my wife and I were making the right decision.

Yet the call was clear. It was confirmed through many prayer-closet times my wife and I spent before God. It was not reluctance, but a question: “Lord, is it really You?” The last thing I wanted was to act irresponsibly as a loving husband and a young father.  

Many asked if I was going into “full-time” church pastoral service. However, I had always felt led to the marketplace. So, the thought of going into full-time church pastoral service had not crossed my mind.

When my wife and I were assured that it was the Lord’s leading, I applied for no-pay leave from the company. However, that was rejected. After seeking further for the Lord’s confirmation, I tendered my resignation. It was a very major decision. Looking back now, I can only say it must have been the Lord’s guidance for the boldness of that decision. That was one clear point in my life where my Father’s Business took precedence over mine.

The career prospect was promising, yet the Father’s call was pronounced. Which took precedence? Surely, my business plan must align to my Father’s Business. This episode in my life gained me a glimpse of what Abraham did when he prepared to sacrifice Isaac, his only son, on the altar (Genesis 22).

Putting my “Isaac” on the altar

Then, the comfort, security and prestige of my job was my “Isaac”, which I had to lay upon the altar. Like Abraham, the episode’s ending was epic – Isaac was spared and so was mine. My bosses changed their minds and granted me the no-pay leave.

Coincidence? Or was it the hand of the Lord?

To my wife and I, it was no doubt God was at work. When my bosses asked me a few weeks after I had tendered my resignation if I would like to return to the company after my studies, I was overwhelmed. Even as I write this, I pause with tears within me still, recalling that awe-inspiring day when that deep sense of gratefulness filled me. The Lord brings His will to pass as we put Him and His Business first.

The time we spent overseas as a family was unparalleled. For me, the theological studies at Regent College in Vancouver was foundational. It was something we would never have dreamed of, much less planned for. Thereafter, I returned to the job awaiting at the company.

Living in faith

From then on, the Lord continued to equip me and thrust me into teaching and preaching His Word, with a particular passion for workplace ministry. Little did I know that my book, Worship@Work, Living the Faithful Life at the Workplace, would be birthed from this.

I share this episode to encourage others, that putting our Father’s Business first does not necessarily mean a call for a complete change in our professional career. Instead, you will find your desires and dreams coming forth with greater joy and boldness in Him as you trust.

Over the years, the Lord has seen me through the pleasures and pressures that span different businesses and engagements. He remains faithful, even if we are faithless (2 Timothy 2:13).  There are no competing demands from my Father’s Business and my business, for they are the one and the same business of my Father!

My Father’s business is not an afterthought

The business world offers various awards: Businessperson of the Year Award, Outstanding CEO Award, Enterprise Award, Woman of the Year Award, Best Employee Award, Star Awards and more. It is exciting to receive awards in recognition of one’s achievements and contributions.

When thinking of awards, I cannot help but fast-forward to that day when the final pronouncement shall be made by none other than the Master of all. What will it be? “Well done, good and faithful servant!”  or “You wicked, lazy servant!” (Matthew 25:14-30).

That is the award or rebuke that will finally decide whether all you have done counts.

That is why my Father’s Business is so fundamentally crucial that it cannot be brushed aside to a later date, after you have travelled and seen the world, or after your children have grown up, or when you have made enough money to retire comfortably.

My Father’s Business cannot be an afterthought, miserably competing with all other businesses of yours. It cannot be squeezed at the last minute into your grand career and business goals. It is not finally fitted into an addendum simply to sanctify your businesses plan to make it “Christian”.

Instead, my Father’s Business shines forth as your primary and sought after business because it sets the reference upon which all other careers and business plans of yours find their place!

“But Lord, wouldn’t I lose out if I did so?”  Not so, if you remember the words of your Master: “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).  Make no mistake. When you put your Father’s Business at the forefront of all that you are and do, you will be amazed at how purposeful and fulfilled your working and business life will be.

Let this exciting journey begin!