The Narrow Way (4)

Because of the narrowness of the way demanded by God, business for the believer cannot be merely a profession, but must be part of God’s divine intention. The Lord has specific purposes and a life plan for every one of His children. Those who are called to business can expect His grace to always be sufficient for every struggle, sort or crisis, but they must make their calling sure. It is important to periodically seek the Lord in concentrated prayer to confirm His calling after eighteen years of success as a builders, on day Jesus left and never returned to that work.

If the cross of Jesus is allowed to do its cleansing work in the believing businessman, his conscience may be made clean to work wholeheartedly in the creation of wealth from the dust of unrighteous Mammon. It s the crucial power of the cleansing blood of Jesus that, through holiness, releases the energies, gifts and latent in the life of the believer. This purity which is given by grace from God needs to be cherished and protected. Even though the Bible says, “to the pure, al things are pure,” (TITUS 1.15) if a pure-hearted believer engage in sinful or immoral work, the result is that he or she will no longer be pure, Jesus said.

Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it (MATHEW 7.13-14)

Reference: Peter Tsukahira . . “My Father’s Business Guideline for Ministry in the Marketplace”

Choosing our destiny

Many people want to know if they have a good life ahead of them, that’s why they felt that they need to see for a fortune-teller.And, the better the future looks, the happier we feel. But, there’s no need to fall victim to fortune-tellers who will just tear us off or feed us the wrong information. Great sages have a lot to teach us about our future. According to them, the future is predictable, and our destiny is in our own hands:

1. The material world is full of suffering, and we’re destined to suffer—from diseases, old age and death. There’s no escape from the miseries of material existence.

2. There’s no guarantee for security in the material dimension. You work to get the things you want, then you lose them. When we die, all material things are taken away from us. You’re driven out of your body, and you can’t bring anyone or anything with you.

3. Knowing the true nature of the world, great sages don’t focus on the temporary material realm and instead strive for what’s permanent. The great scriptures guarantee that the person who focuses on the transcendental is capable of attaining permanent satisfaction and peace in his or her lifetime and thereafter.

4. Those who strive for spiritual goals are assured of attaining imperishable wealth and good fortune, by taking shelter in the Supreme Being’s abiding affection. They’re blessed with spiritual love, kindness, wisdom, humility, truthfulness and generosity. As a result, they’re able to share their blessings with those who need them. And, as they give, their wealth increases even more.

Everyone will go through suffering. But, unlike the materialists, who are overcome with lust, loneliness, anger, frustration and anxiety, spiritualists can rely on a higher form of happiness to see them through the material realities of diseases, old age and death. They also face problems, but they have real solutions for them.

It’s up to us to choose the kind of future we wish to have. We’re encouraged to follow the peaceful and happy lives of saints and reject the miserable, empty lives of demons. Let’s follow the wise men’s advice: “Choose the better future and become truly happy!”

Reference: R. VALENCIA S. BISMARK