Encouraging One Another in our Business Efforts.
As we finished up last months “In the Family” focus I was left with a strong sense if wanting to button up our little nest and protect our family from influences which might hinder our spiritual growth. There were so many marvelous stories and lessons shared that I want to bookmark the series for future reference. You too can do that here: “In the Family.”
Now we transition from family to “Thy Brother’s Business” so that we who share a common family can encourage and support one another in our business lives as well as our spiritual and personal lives. I am always struck by the passages in Acts which tell of how our first brothers and sisters were of one heart, one mind and shared all things in common.
Acts 4:32 (NKJV)
“Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.
Do we consider this today? Do we consider having all things in common? Do we seek to uplift our brother in their daily efforts through financial support. When we head out to make a purchase do we first seek our brothers business, or the first business that comes along?
I remember when I was a little girl, daddy would always go to the auto parts store in that was a bit of a drive instead of going to our nearest town. I didn’t know why for a long time, until one day I realized the man behind the counter (who owned the store) was a member at the congregation in that town. You see daddy would have rather supported his brother than have the convenience of the closest store.
5 Things to Consider when Making a Purchase or Seeking Professional Support.
- Can I buy or order this product from a member of the church?
- Would the Brother/Sister and their family benefit from my support?
- If it costs me more at my brother’s location than the convenient chain store, would I be willing to give my brother the difference if he needed it? If your answer is yes, then why not buy the product from him/her in the first place.
- Do I have complete trust of the business professional behind the desk? Is there a member of the church who owns a similar business that can provide me with trusted service?
- Does purchases from this establishment bring honor to the Father?
I share these thoughts with you as we enter our month of “Thy Brother’s Business.” Our goal is simply to help you to be aware of businesses that are owned & operated by members of the Lord’s church. We humbly ask you to consider whether what they do and offer will be of benefit to you and your family. If so, then perhaps you might want to patronize “Thy Brother’s Business” instead of the first convenient business to come along.
The R16:16 Business Directory is a wonderful resource for finding businesses of all types that are owned & operated by brothers and sisters in the Lord’s family. Why not check them out today.
~Article written by team member: Renee Brown
R16:16 