3 Questions I Ask to Help Align My Will With God’s
John Houston - Chief Executive Officer
As Christian business leaders, I think our assignment goes beyond making money and building a brand. We have a higher calling rooted in our relationship with Jesus Christ. Recently, God has given me clarity on my specific purpose. Here are four foundational principles that are helping me as I aim to steward how I operate in life and business:
1. Love God with All My Mind, Soul, and Strength
My primary calling is to love God with all Iam. Relationship is always God’s first priority. Jesus said this is the greatest commandment:
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength. Mark 12:30
2. Love Others as Myself
Jesus didn't stop at loving God; He continued with the importance of loving others as ourselves. His instruction is to love, meaning we have compassion, empathy, and genuine care for those around us. This goes beyond thinking of others. I want to continually show love through my actions.
And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.
Mark 12:31
3. Seek God's Kingdom First
This means aligning my goals, decisions, and actions with God's will and righteousness (or right standing with God). I try to regularly assess and reflect, allowing God to show me how to look more like Jesus. I don’t always get this right – it’s a life-long journey for all of us.
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.
Matthew 6:33
4. Go and Make Disciples, Teaching Them to Obey
As Christian leaders, we are called to be disciple-makers, teaching people about Jesus and His Word and helping others in their faith journey. For me, this goes beyond a curriculum or Bible study. True, lasting discipleship happens within relationships. As I follow Christ, I hope others can witness and follow so they can discover how good God is. Leaders aren’t perfect – and even as people view our weaknesses, they can learn about God’s love, forgiveness, and His power being made known (2 Cor. 12:9).
Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.
Matthew 28:19-20
In light of my purpose, I continually evaluate my alignment with God's will through three key questions:
1. Kingdom Impact
Am I representing biblical values in my actions and interactions? Can others see Jesus in me through my leadership and behavior?
2. Healthy Relationships
Am I fostering a healthy atmosphere in my relationships, both within and outside the workplace? Does my communication and collaboration reflect simplicity, clarity, and effectiveness?
3. Business Practices
Are our business practices rooted in integrity, stewardship, and accountability? Are our goals measurable, attainable, and reflective of kingdom values? Are we diligently evaluating our returns on investment and adapting as necessary?
Ultimately, as Christian business leaders, our goal is not success by worldly standards but significance in advancing God's Kingdom. I hope we all continue to seek to fulfill our purpose, guided by the principles and priorities set by God, who loves each of us fully and completely.