“And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.” (Luke 19:13 KJV)
In 2008, the US experienced the largest bankruptcy filing in its history which is thought to have played a major role in the unfolding of the financial crisis of 2007-08. Lehman Brothers was an American global investment bank that lasted for a period of 158 years before it’s death knell was tolled. The company was a financial behemoth that survived the vagaries of the economy for over a century and half. So, its liquidation came as a surprise to industry players and watchers alike.
While the size of a corporation maybe an advantage when leveraged upon, it’s been proven that it doesn’t guarantee longevity or enduring legacy. Neither does age guarantee a lasting legacy even with its experiences in a fast paced and ever changing operating environment.
Academic researches have shown that there’s no specific methodology or science to building a business that will last. Different methods have worked at different times and became obsolete with changing times, technologies , tastes, preferences, demographics and psychographics.
There’s nothing we see in this world that’s permanent. We’re in an ever changing world. It was William Wordsworth that said very profoundly in his poem, that the world is too much with us. Businesses are constantly evolving to meet the changing times in order to remain relevant. It becomes wisdom to follow Biblical business principles that will guarantee longevity and successive progression of your business because only the Word of God is constant and unchanging.
And it’s the will of God to see your business empire flourishing at the second coming of Christ – A trans-generational institution of global and enduring acclaim. That’s the reason He wants you to occupy the business environment or whatever area of value creation till He comes.
Wherefore, I found from Scriptures 12 fundamental steps to building an enterprise that will last. They are as follows:
1. Partnership with the Spirit of Grace.
It was grace that enabled Zerubbabel to start his enterprise and to complete his assignment without any disruptions. ( Zech.4:7-9)
2. Commit Your Works to God.
God establishes our visions, thoughts, dreams and desires when we acknowledge His Lordship and commit the business to Him. He is interested and committed to your affairs but you have to let him. ( Prov.3:5-7; 16:3)
3. Lay the Right Foundation on the Word.
The deeper the foundation, the higher the building! It’s depth that determines height. There’s no superstructure without a super foundation. If you sow to the flesh, you will definitely reap corruption; but if you sow to the Spirit you will abundantly reap eternal life. ( Psalm 11:3; 1 Cor.3:11)
4. Obedience of Faith.
Hebrews 11 is full of heroes of faith who courageously believed God and moved to accomplish lasting legacies. Nothing is ever achieved without faith in God and self.
5. Divine Direction.
This is the master key to a world of unending victories and breakthroughs in business. You can’t be led by God and be misguided. Some are led by their intuition- which may not always be accurate or precise. Some are led by competition- that’s a recipe for disaster. Some are led by commercial prophets or horoscope or diviners- that’s the quickest route to extinction and burial.
Noah built an ark that survived the flood because he diligently followed divine directions and details.
6. Flexibility to Changes.
Anyone that wants to build a business that must last must be flexible and adaptable to change. Jack Welch profoundly said, “ Change before you have to.”
Being flexible to change is one major and constant thread that runs through the fabric of the sample companies that were used for a six year research project carried out by Jim Collins and Jerry I. Porras- to determine why they consistently scaled their businesses that have spanned over a century, challenges notwithstanding.
If you’re led by God, you must be susceptible to the Wind of the Spirit. David faced the same opponent or competitor twice in one day with two different winning strategies as directed by God. (2 Sam.5:17-25)
To be continued…
To your lasting business,
✝️Tochukwu Kemakolam
Prime Minister