Practical Ideas on How to Shine the Light of Christ at Work

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If you are looking for practical ways to shine the light of Christ through your business (and personal) life, I offer these suggestions below – through prayer, what you share, how you care, and what you “wear”. Choose which ideas work best work given your situation, then trust God these actions will bear fruit.

Prayer – 1 Thessalonians 5:17 “Be joyful always, pray continually…”

  1. Pray for your clients, vendors, and staff
  2. Plan a weekly staff prayer time and/or devotional
  3. Open and close every meeting in prayer
  4. When a need arises, pray for someone right then, instead of saying “I’ll pray for you”
  5. Offer a prayer for your meal at restaurants; ask your server ahead of time if they have a prayer request you can
    include.
  6. Pray on the full armor of God at the start of your day
  7. Pray Psalm 5:3 – then wait expectantly

Share

  1. Tell your faith story regularly – with believers first – until you are comfortable telling it to others.
  2. If you love someone, tell them, and tell them that God loves them, too.
  3. Share your organization’s core (faith) principles and stories of God’s amazing grace in your company on a “Who
    We Are” section of your company website (see https://christianblue.com/wp/about-us as an example)
  4. Blog stories of faith – see https://christianblue.com/wp/category/christian-business-spotlights/
  5. Add a Faith section in your company e-newsletter
  6. Populate social media with Biblical encouragements, mixed in quotes from inspirational leaders. Like our
    Christian Blue Network Facebook page and share our distinctively Christian content on your FB page.
  7. Take advantage of holidays like Easter (including Lent), Mother’s and Father’s Days, Memorial Day,
    Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas to share the Good News on social media.
  8. Send birthday cards to clients that include a scriptural encouragement.
  9. Company Christmas parties – take time to share the birth of Christ story, or go caroling (see
    www.GoCaroling.com). Simply wish people “Merry Christmas”. God’s word never returns void.

Care (Demonstrate the love of Christ)

  1. Promote Christian causes in your organization’s print or e-newsletter
  2. Tell people “God bless you today” verbally, on voicemail, etc.
  3. Collaborate with ministries, other organizations, or individuals on faith-based community initiatives.
  4. Apply the Matthew 18 principle if have an issue with a brother or sister in the Lord, or anyone.
  5. Grow in understanding of faith/work/life balance – check out resources found at www.atworkonpurpose.org.

Wear (Indirect Witnessing Opportunities)

  1. “DO wear your faith on your sleeve” — view advertising as an opportunity to reach clients AND witness – include
    Christian symbols, scriptural references in print advertising, web, mobile, and broadcast advertising.
  2. Add a Faith statement or symbol on your business card, brochure (print and digital).
  3. Play Christian music in the background of your waiting room/lobby/office
  4. Place a Bible and other Christian material in your waiting room/lobby/office
  5. Offer Christian giveaway items at your trade show booth
  6. Wear Christian attire at events.
  7. As long as it is in good taste, put a Christian bumper sticker on your car (i.e. www.Upward.org)
  8. Advertise on (and play) Christian radio – many “flipping through dial” come to Christ through radio ministry.
  9. If you haven’t already, advertise in the Christian Blue Network (we’ll help shine your light and tell your story).

If you practice other ways to bring the Good News into your work world, I’d love to hear from you! connect@trustbluereview.com

Marketing Strength Metrics Assessment – A simple marketing tool to highlight gaps in your plan

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By Dimalanta Design Group

To say that everything feels a little uncertain right now with the current pandemic would be an understatement. Many business owners are on high alert. Now is the time to assess your marketing strengths and weaknesses to reassess strategies on how to best reach your target audience.

When we first start with a new client, we always start at the beginning by learning where there are gaps in their marketing plan. We use a simple marketing assessment tool called Marketing Strength Metrics that covers 5 areas of marketing that will help you determine very quickly where the biggest gaps are in your marketing.

5 areas of marketing to assess:

1. Branding

Taking a hard look at all areas of your brand from the logo to the messaging is a great place to start when assessing your marketing. Getting feedback from your target audience could also be a great way to determine how people view your brand image and if that matches the messaging.

2. Culture

Oftentimes we forget that company culture ties directly to marketing. If there are a lot of internal disagreements and disunity regarding the direction, vision, or mission, this will severely affect marketing. When all employees and departments in an organization are aligned with the company’s culture, the marketing plan is on the right path to being successful.

3. MarCom

MarCom is short for Marketing Communications, which is everything from design collateral, advertisements, PR strategy, social media, e-newsletters, or any promotional material. Knowing what makes your organization unique needs to match your brand strategy through MarCom.

4. Sales

Over and over again, we see that sales and marketing seem to clash and are typically not on the same page. Sales and marketing strategies should complement and support each other. Staying targeted together by moving in the same direction makes a marketing strategy much more successful.

5. Customer Service

Having exceptional customer service should be a key factor in your marketing strategy. Good customer service means over-delivering, responding timely, and being transparent if there are issues with products. Treat your customers as an individual by building trust and a relationship so they don’t feel like just a number.

Take the test.
Answer the following and rate your organization on a scale of 0–10 with 10 being the best:

  • How confident are you in your organization’s brand? 
  • Is your organization’s culture aligned with your brand?
  • Does your MarCom match your brand strategies?
  • How are your sales? Do your sales activities coordinate with your marketing strategies?
  • How well do you deliver on customer service?

So, how did you score in these 5 areas? Hopefully, this will give you some insight into where the gaps are in your marketing strategies. Not sure where to start? Contact us at info@dimalantadesigngroup.com to get a free one-hour consultation from marketing expert, Ernie Dimalanta.

Get real-life examples by watch the Marketing Strength Metrics webinar at https://bit.ly/2WO63Mv

D&L Termite & Pest Control Inc.

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Contact Name: Thaddaeus G. Laywell Sr., Owner

Business Name: D&L Termite & Pest Control Inc.

Business Address: 1223 Lagonda Avenue
Springfield, Ohio 45503

Website: http://www.dlpest.com

Business Phone: 937-322-2500

Business Description:
General pest & termite control on residential, commercial & industrial  properties.
General insects-spiders, roaches, fleas, slab ants, etc.  About 40 different creeping crawling insects.
We also treat for bed bugs, and all types of bees, wasps, hornets, etc.
Termite & other wood destroying insects.
We offer Wood destroying insect reports for property transfer-VA, FHA, & conventional.
We no longer offer animal trapping or removal.

What first inspired you to get into your line of work? And what motivates you to do the work you do still today?
My father started business in 1975,  With six brothers, there was not enough work for all of us so at 19 I went to work in the lawn care field for about 12 years. In 2000, I noticed the company was not doing well for many reasons. At that time only my brother Calvin was working for our dad. I asked my brother, if dad would sell the company to us, would he be alright with me coming back & running company. Our journey started April 1st 2000. We are now in our 21st year owning company together and working side by side. I give our Lord Jesus Christ all the credit for working this out for us. Our father was hard to work for and really didn’t think he would sell company to us, but timing was right-in God’s time.

How did you come to faith in Christ?
My mother is a true saint of God, she always tried to make us go to church when i was young, but during my teenage years I didn’t want anything to do with God. At age 30, after thinking I had the world where I wanted it-it all came crashing down-my marriage failed, lost my new home, car, etc. I left with what I could in the back of my 68 chevy truck after 9 years of marriage. My sons were 9 & 6 at the time. My mind was not good then and God started dealing with my soul & I got saved on July 6, 1998. I was still going thru my divorce at that time but God still helped me quit smoking on July 17, 1998, wasn’t long after that I knew I found something in Christ I never wanted to give up & to this day, I praise him for my salvation. Two years later, I was in business for myself, got custody of my two boys, I know I could not have done this on my own. Had to wait on the Lord for 12 years, but he gave me a wife of 9 years now-so blessed.

How does your faith in Jesus impact the way you do business?
Just as the bible says-do unto others as you would have them do unto you. That is our motto. We let our faith speak for itself-trying to treat others as Christ would.

What ministry/cause do you champion and why?
I am currently on the board at my church, I believe our youth are the future of the church and world so I would say my cause is to help in the youth ministry where I can. I organize a car show yearly with our proceeds going to help youth go to church camp, etc. I don’t see myself as a minister or teacher but willing to go where God leads me.

Polaris Family and Sport Chiropractic

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Contact Name: Randall Huffer, Owner

Business Address: 9383 south old state rd.

Website: http://polarischiropractors.com

Business Phone: 6148462225

Business Description:
Chiropractic care for back pain, neck pain, headaches, shoulder pain, knee pain, foot pain, wrist and elbow pain, jaw pain,  car accidents, workers comp,, sports injuries, home injuries.

What first inspired you to get into your line of work? And what motivates you to do the work you do still today?
I was attending Washington University Medical School while I was injured in a weight lifting  accident. I was treated by many therapists and doctors who could not help me. However,, I was referred to a chiropractor who could help me, and I discovered all of the benefits of Chiropractic without the invasive treatments. I immediately transferred from med school to chiropractic school in St. Louis, Mo. It has been a perfect fit for me as I thoroughly enjoy  helping others restore their health and well being.

How did you come to faith in Christ?
I was 15 years old in the summer between my freshman and sophomore year in high school when one of my coaches who was in charge of Young Life, a youth ministry, asked me and a bunch of my friends to go to camp in Colorado.  There for the first time I really understood that I was a sinner and needed a bigger Savior and I fully devoted my life to God. I am so thankful for His grace and mercy on my life!

How does your faith impact the way you do business?
Our purpose in the office is to glorify God by using Chiropractic to help as many patients and their families as possible toward optimal health through natural Chiropractic care. We see each individual patient that comes into our office as a special unique child of God. Therefore we want to deliver the best possible care to our patients as are ambassadors for our Lord Jesus Christ.

What ministry/cause do you champion and why?
Our office has supported a young lady from Uganda Africa through a mission called “Food for the Poor.”  Also we have been very active with Young Life ( youth ministry) and the Christian Chiropractic Association for their commitment and passion to reach the world with the Gospel.

Finding Work-Life Balance in the Practice of Sabbath

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By: Dr. Andrew Spencer

Searching the phrase “work-life balance” produces an avalanche of results. The recommendations provided to create a work-life balance vary widely based on the author and the outlet of publication, but the popularity of the question shows that it is a significant problem for many people.

Among other mistaken predictions, economist John Maynard Keynes predicted an abbreviated work week as material prosperity increased. By 2030, he expected the average person’s work to consume as little as 15 hours per week. Despite our material prosperity, Americans continue to work long hours. Our work is stressing us out.

It may help to reexamine why we work. That will, in turn, help determine where the balance between work and the rest of our vocations should be.

The Problem: Over-Working

In 1970, economist Staffan Linder wrote The Harried Leisure Class in which he made the case that as cultures have largely defeated material poverty, they have only become busier. In industrialized societies, there often seems to be an inverse relationship between available leisure time and material wealth. This phenomenon has real social implications in the United States, as it reduces the sense of well-being and can often produce a sense of despair, even in households with a great deal of material wealth.

Linder argues that in “rich countries all slacks in the use of time have been eliminated, so far as is humanly possible. The attitude of time is dictated entirely by the commodity’s extreme scarcity.”

This poverty of leisure time has led to a focus on life hacks and time-saving tricks that can be helpful but often illustrate the poverty of time many experience. Left unchecked, our work can demand all our time and energy, leaving no room for rest. It can rob us of Sabbath. It can diminish our delight in God’s creation. 

The reaction to this strain is to look for a technological solution. We try to find an app, a widget, or a process that will help us do more with less. But technology can contribute to the problem rather than the cure. Daylight no longer limits the hours that productive labor can be done outside. Our cell phones make us accessible anytime and any day. The internet allows us to work at home—a great blessing during a pandemic, but it can erase the boundaries between our career and other parts of life. 

There are blessings that come with technology as it pushes back the effects of the Fall, as with the healing of diseases, but technology can also take blessings like work and turn them into something less. “Always on” technology can enable our work to become a master no less demanding than Pharaoh. In an attempt to overcome nature’s limitations, we may have allowed ourselves to be conquered. When the busyness of our careers drives us to forgo taking delight in God’s creation, our priorities need to be realigned.

The Solution: Sabbath Rest

Work is a gift from God. Creation was intended for humans to cultivate and keep the garden (Gen 2:15). This call to creativity, innovation, and diligence was not diminished by the Fall; it was made more difficult (Gen 3:17-19). Work is not a part of the curse, but it can become a curse if we fail to observe rhythms of work and rest, which can be seen through God’s gift of the Sabbath.

God gave humanity the Sabbath for our good. The Sabbath was not intended to be a barren duty, but a delightful rest. As Jesus tells the Pharisees, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” (Mark 2:27) This is not a revision of the fourth commandment, but an explanation that when “the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy” (Ex 20:11b), it was intended to be a blessing for humanity. The blessing of the Sabbath rest is even more explicit in Deuteronomy 5:12–15, since it roots the Sabbath rest in a memorial to Israel’s unjust toil while in slavery in Egypt.

There is no easy solution. Work-life balance will always be a give and take effort. There will be seasons when the demands of work crowd out our need for rest when we have an ox in a well (Luke 14:5). We must regularly return to Christ’s assurances that “Man shall not live by bread alone” (Matt 4:4), trust that we need not be anxious about our life (Matt 6:25-33), and pursue faithfulness in the vocations we have been given.

All of our efforts in life should be done “with a good will as to the Lord and not to man” (Eph 6:6b), which reminds us that we can only serve one master (Matt 6:24). The master we ought to be serving is the one that calls us to come to him as we labor and are heavy laden so that we can get rest (Matt 11:28). Only when we find our identity in Christ and our purpose is honoring him through our work will we gain rest from the relentless demands of our careers.

As Augustine wrote in his Confessions, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it finds its rest in you.”

Editor’s note: This article is reprinted with permission from the Institute for Faith, Work & Economics (www.tifwe.org). The original article appears here.  

Human Injustice and Our Response as Christians

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It has been a very hard few months for our country and world.  The coronavirus pandemic has negatively impacted our financial present and future, and brought fear into the hearts of people everywhere.  Now our entire country is suffering from the aftermath of yet another horrendous act of social injustice – the murder of George Floyd. Every human life is precious and created in the image of God, and deserves the right to be protected.

I have really struggled to find the words to say to the Christian Blue community regarding this situation, and address the re-opened wounds of human and racial injustice that plague our land.  It has made me both sad and angry – two emotions that I generally try to avoid.  But I am compelled to say something, trusting the guidance of the Holy Spirit here.  This situation affects us all.  We can no longer stand on the sidelines of injustice and inequality.  Not as Christians.  Not as brothers and sisters in Christ who hail from every nation, tribe, and tongue. 

My purpose here is to address the inhumane action of one man towards another that led to death.  I’m asking that you support our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who are being affected by all this.  Unfortunately, the violent protesting and looting in the aftermath of this crime takes away from the critical message here – the voices of human and racial injustice that need to be heard. 

As a Christian, I believe that the church needs to take the lead, by “doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with our God” (Micah 6:8).  We cannot simply point the finger at the other guy.  We cannot change someone else’s heart.  But we can ask the Lord to “search me and know me, and test my anxious thoughts, and see if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way” (Psalm 139:23-24). As much as it depends on me, I can choose to live at peace with all people.

Edmund Burke said, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men [people] to do nothing.” We must do something – every believer in Christ must do something to stand up to human injustice, racism, and misuse of force by those in any positions of power.  We need to call sin a sin and stand united against it.  

God calls his children to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. Our neighbors desperately need us.  May we, God’s people, humble ourselves and pray, and seek His face, and turn from our wicked ways.  Then, as He did with Israel (in this 2 Chronicles 7:14 reference), God promises to hear from heaven, and forgive our sin, and heal our land.

In light of this, here are some action steps we can take as the body of Christ in response:

  1. Encourage your church leadership to begin the dialogue of race relations within the church body.
  2. Let your voice be heard in the judicial system by exercising your right to vote and embracing the summons of jury duty.
  3. Speak up against racist or derogatory comments made by others.
  4. Pray regularly that God in his mercy would heal the racial divide in the Church and our country.

Amen, come Lord Jesus.

Darrel Geis, President & CEO

Christian Blue Network

For more on the issue of race relations, see https://christianblue.com/wp/have-compassion/


3 Essentials To Remember as You Go Back to Work

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By: John Pletcher

Are you certain you are ready to go back to work?

For many of us, the current season is full of great eagerness and anticipation. Perhaps you’ve been working from home, and now there is the potential of going back to the office soon. Perhaps you were furloughed over previous weeks, but now you are hearing the news of being called back. Some places it’s a reality; in others, it’s still a wishful hope. For everyone everywhere, great patience is still required.

Serious question: Are you sure you’re ready to go back to work? 

I know, you’re chomping at the bit. You are probably ready to throw yourself back into your labors with great gusto. And that’s good. Very good! After all, God made you in his image. He wired you for creative productivity. But hold your horses. Pause long enough to ponder. You see, it could be very easy—tempting even—to just plunge back in and go absolutely crazy, bonkers about your labors. You might jump onto the job floor and become utterly consumed, giddy drunk in your endeavors, and utterly overwhelmed with your to-dos.

Before you head back, don’t miss the opportunity to hit reset. With advanced thoughtfulness, you can actually return to your labors with a renewed and strengthened perspective. Consider these three essentials. (I bet you already know these, but it’s really good in times like these to recall essential truths you already know.) 

Remember Your Work is a Gift

When God created humans in his image, he supplied his blessing, including that initial call (often dubbed humanity’s cultural mandate) to “rule and to reign.” He also supplied those initial resources. “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth . . .” (Gen 1:27-31). These are serious gifts “from the Father of the heavenly lights” (James 1:17). 

In Made to Matter: Devotions for Working Christians, Randy Kilgore reminds us: “It isn’t adoration or statues or even the satisfaction of a job well done that is God’s gift to His children. It’s the work itself!” Timothy Keller, in Every Good Endeavor, supplies motivation: “A biblical understanding of work energizes our desire to create value from the resources available to us. Recognizing the God who supplies our resources, and who gives us the privilege of joining in as cocultivators, helps us enter into our work with a relentless spirit of creativity.”

If we don’t remember our work is a gift as we return to the workplace, we are likely to grow arrogant and too quickly self-reliant. As a result, our creative energies will likely be less than their best.

Remember Your Work is Service to Others, to the Glory of God

This truth is a game-changer when it comes to our purpose and motivation. Under normal circumstances, we struggle to remember such vital truth. We stumble through our busy days with self-serving, push-harder, do-it-for-my-glory perspectives. But during these upcoming days of exciting work comebacks, such self-serving attitudes could be all the craftier and more deceptive. Important reminder: our work is not all about us.

With winsome strokes in The Integrated Life, Ken Eldred reminds us: “The real goal of business is to serve others to the glory of God.” If we are not careful, that pure, simple, life-giving goal could get lost in the dust of our crisis-time comebacks. Let’s re-enter our offices and marketplaces with God-given clarity and fervor. We are there to serve others, to help make God even more famous.

Remember the Importance of Rest

One potential upside for many people during this season of downtime has been exactly that: downtime. Rest. Rejuvenation. Sabbath.

This was God’s brilliant idea on day seven (Gen 2:1-3). The amount of rest many people have been forced to take might be the biggest block of do-nothing that they have experienced since childhood. Oh yes, most of us have rushed to fill the void or been forced to add other side hustles. But no one can disagree. There has been a marked change of pace in work patterns. Less rush. More family time. 

With our return to daily labors, there will be the temptation to ramp up, work harder, push more, and drive harder than ever to get ahead. Let’s make certain we do not lose sight of the sacred value of rest, those regular rhythms to which God our Creator called us. He saw the importance of a finish line each week, a holy stop, an intentional time to pause, to celebrate, and to rejuvenate. Let’s not lose sight of the importance of rest.

Remember that work is our Father’s gracious gift. Remember our divine purpose, to serve others for his glory. And remember to “call it a day.” He did.

As we remember these essentials, we are more likely to be truly ready to go back to work.

Editor’s note: This article is reprinted with permission from the Institute for Faith, Work & Economics (www.tifwe.org). The original article appears here.

Sims Investment Management, LLC

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Business Name: Sims Investment Management, LLC
Contact Name: Cory Sims, Owner

Business Address:
3322 Erie Ave. Suite 200
Cincinnati, OH 45208

Website: http://www.simsinvestment.com

Business Phone: (513) 278-7467

Sims Investment Management was founded with an emphasis to benefit from the new market landscape. We do this with the highest levels of trust, integrity and respect while always keeping our clients’ best interest as our guiding light. Here at Sims Investment, we want to be more than just your financial advisor, we want to be your friend. In doing so, we will teach you the great truths about your finances so that you may lead a life of greater financial security and personal success.

What first inspired you to get into your line of work? And what motivates you to do the work you do still today?
My mission in life and in my career is to help others lead a life of greater financial security and success. WHAT I do, is not nearly as important as WHY I do it. I run my company with the same values and beliefs that I live by, and that is by being a good and faithful servant to God and to my clients. My WHY is to teach and coach others to recognize and maximize their God given gifts by making my work my ministry. How I live out my purpose, my why, is through educating others. I believe that I can empower others to expand their minds and have faith in the plans that we set in motion, ultimately leading them to reach their personal and financial goals. My hope is that together, we can create a life you’ve always dreamed of living.

How did you come to faith in Christ?
Faith was instilled at me at a very young age through my family and the wonderful community I grew up in at Our Lady of Fatima in Huntington, WV.

How does your faith impact the way you do business?
We work to be positive and rational advisors in a time where clients are bombarded with secular messages that cause them to make poor financial decisions based on emotions.

What ministry/cause do you champion and why?
During the Covid-19 crisis, we started hand writing notes to send out to clients and have sent out close to 100 books by Jon Gordon called Stay Positive. We look at this as our way to get clients to have faith in the bigger plan that God has for us and that optimism is the only real realism. By turning off the secular media cycle, we can listen to God’s voice and word and realize his plan to use the gifts he has blessed us with.  Attached is a photo of one of the rounds of books we sent out.

C.J. Victor Attorney-At-Law

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Contact Name: C.J. Victor, Attorney-At-Law

Business Name: C.J. Victor Attorney-At-Law

Business Address: 6601 Dixie Hwy, Florence, KY 41042

Website: http://www.cjvictor.com

Business Phone: 859-525-1441

Business Description:
A full service law office performing legal work in multiple areas such as bankruptcy, family law (such as divorces and child custody/visitation matters), real estate matters, contracts and criminal law.

What first inspired you to get into your line of work? And what motivates you to do the work you do still today?
I first gained interest in being an attorney from watching my father (who was a great role model) negotiate bargaining agreements for a large company in Cincinnati.   Much of my father’s personality flows through my veins, such as being patient and to the point when dealing with critical problems.

How did you come to faith in Christ?
By everyone around me praying for my salvation.  They knew long before I did, how much I needed Christ, and how empty my life was without Him.  Their faithful persistence was rewarded in due time when my heartfelt an overwhelming need to set my life straight and serve the One who created me and all world around me.

How does your faith impact the way you do business?
After 37 years of legal practice, all the local Judges and attorneys know that I am a person of high morals, integrity and professionalism.  My faith has taught me to use my words in my law practice carefully “saying only what you mean” and “meaning what you say”.    Contrary to some other attorneys who have crossed my path, I won’t lie, cheat or steal to get what isn’t deserved for my client, but I will work hard to get what my client deserves legally in the right way.

What ministry/cause do you champion and why?
My household has recently accepted an infant foster child who was born under less than ideal circumstances.  The Word clearly says it is our duty to protect those who cannot protect themselves.  We hope that this child, and any others to follow, will be given their chance to fulfill God’s special purposes for their lives.  All we can do now is water the seedling, and see what harvest God can accomplish with our small offering.

American Heritage Insurance Group

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Contact Name: Michael Rice

Business Name: American Heritage Insurance Group

Business Address: 9675 Montgomery Road, Suite 101
Cincinnati, Ohio 45242

Website: http://www.AmericanHeritageIns.com

Business Phone: 513-984-5255

Business Description:
Home/Automobile and other personal insurance and Business Insurance for small and medium sized organizations.

What first inspired you to get into your line of work? And what motivates you to do the work you do still today?
I grew up around a small independent insurance agency founded by my grandfather and later run by my father. I avoided the family business by attending law school and then practicing law for a short time with the Taft law firm. After a 15 year career with Great American Insurance/American Financial, I was persuaded by a gentlemen I had met through a mutual Christian friend to start an independent insurance agency.  Twenty years later…

How did you come to faith in Christ?
I grew up in a loving, Christian home where we went to church services every Sunday morning, youth group on Sunday night and Wednesday night gatherings.   As a family we always shared our faith and when I was a teenager I accepted Christ as my Savior at an altar call and was baptized the following Sunday.  My whole life has been journey in my faith.

How does your faith in Jesus impact the way you do business?
My faith and the faith of each of our employees are the foundation of our core values for American Heritage Insurance Group – Supportive (Always have each other’s backs); Transparent (Truthful, Open, Caring) and Altruistic (Devoted to the welfare of others).  Our fourth core value is Knowledgeable (Lifelong Learners).

What ministry/cause do you champion and why?
We have many causes/ministries that we support.  Each month we sponsor a charity or cause that one of our employees or clients nominates.  The donations come from social media activity, Jean’s Fridays,  in kind donations, etc.  The organizations we have helped support are Matthew 25, Free Store Food Bank, Water for DR, Life Center, Teen Challenge, Operation Give Back and many, many more.

D1 Training – Cincinnati

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Contact Name: Chris Witzgall, Co-Owner

Business Name: D1 Training – Cincinnati

Business Address: 9573 Fields Ertel Road, Loveland OH 45140

Website: http://d1training.com/cincynorth

Business Phone: 5135492353

Business Description:
We are a non-traditional fitness training gym in Loveland that offers programs for all ages and every fitness level. From first-timers to professional athletes, we are dedicated to making a difference in your life and helping you achieve a common goal—being your best self. Our gyms offer customized, state-of-the-art equipment, sports science-backed programs, and workouts that target your specific goals. Stop in and discover why Men’s Health named us a Top 30 Gym.

What first inspired you to get into your line of work? And what motivates you to do the work you do still today?
I believe as a Christian that our greatest gift from God is our bodies. Like any of the gifts and talents He has given us, we are to be good stewards and use them to glorify Him. Taking care of our bodies through healthy lifestyle is a requirement for everyone and we started D1 Training to help others achieve this goal.

How did you come to faith in Christ?
I was raised in the Catholic faith growing up, but truly became a Christian on February 28, 2016 when I was baptized and accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior.

How does your faith impact the way you do business?
My faith gives our business a solid foundation on how to operate. We developed a set of guiding principles based on the Christian faith that mainly says it all belongs to God and we will use it to glorify Him and lead others to do the same.

What ministry/cause do you champion and why?
We champion and support multiple causes with our business that include Cleats 4 Kids, Special Olympics, CancerFree Kids, and Women of Alabaster Ministry.
We champion these because we feel strongly that God has provided us the opportunity with the business to bless these causes.

Affordable Automation LLC and Affordable Analytics

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Contact Name: Gary Slaughterbeck, Owner

Business Name: Affordable Automation LLC and Affordable Analytics

Business Address: 1630 Mills Road Wilmington, Ohio 45177

Website: https://affordableautomation.us

Business Phone: 513-442-9210

Business Description:
Affordable Automation (affordableautomation.us) creates custom database applications for both desktop and the web.  We design and develop custom software for our clients that will meet the specific needs of their business.  Advantages of custom software include: it’s tailor made for your company, increases productivity, easier integration with existing software, and a smart long term investment.

Our mission at Affordable Analytics (affordableanalytics.us) is to empower businesses through analytics. Affordable Analytics gives our clients an affordable entry point into data analytics.  Every company has meaningful data. The question is whether you are using that data in a meaningful way. Most likely, a large amount of time, money, and effort has been spent in capturing this data. Since you already have the data, why not get a return on that investment?  We can link to your existing data in your existing applications. Also, we create dashboards accessible from anywhere, even smartphones!

What first inspired you to get into your line of work? And what motivates you to do the work you do still today?
I had worked in the corporate world for almost 23 years when I felt God calling me to leave that arena in 2008.  At first, I was not sure what God’s plan was for me, but eventually He showed me He wanted to lead me in starting a family business.  God knew what He is doing!  This has been an incredible spiritual blessing on my family.  I have been given the opportunity to work with all 3 of my sons, providing me precious time to disciple my sons for many more years than I would have otherwise.  Family life means so much to me and I feel very blessed God provided us the family business.  My hope and prayer is this business will continue for multiple generations.

How did you come to faith in Christ?
I was raised in a small conservative farming community and regularly attended a local church, yet I had never heard about being born again.  I had this false notion that if I relied on my thinking and hard work, then life would go exactly how I thought it should.  By the time I reached the age of 25, I was completely to the end of myself.  This started me on a search to find out what was missing in my life.  About this time God brought into my life some spiritually mature and strong Christians who began to walk with me down the path to Jesus.  It wasn’t much long after when I met my future wife, and we both became born again Christians.

How does your faith in Jesus impact the way you do business?
“Do for others just what you want them to do for you.” Luke 6:31  We have lived this out to the best of our ability over the past 12 years.

What ministry/cause do you champion and why?
There have been two main areas of ministry the Lord has brought to our attention:

The first is feeding the hungry through supporting a local ministry called Project 5-2. They are a conduit of redistribution of food, clothing, Bibles and supplies from God’s hand to front line ministries who at times, in their communities, don’t have the resources to feed and clothe those in need.  http://pro52.org/

The other area of ministry we feel God has led us to is getting the word out on how loving our Heavenly Father is.  I think most Christians deep down in their hearts don’t really understand how much Abba Father loves them!  Once this knowledge moves from someone’s head to the heart, their life will be transformed.  The best resource we have found to help others deeply understand this is an amazing book called  He Loves Me! Learning to Live in the Father’s Affection  (by W. Jacobsen).  When we have the opportunity, we either give people this book or highly encourage them to get a copy.  After reading the book, most people come back and share how its message has really changed their walk with God for the better.  Just this week, we received word about a Christian who was struggling with depression, and reading the book really made an impact.  To God be the glory!  Please do yourself a huge favor…find a copy of this book and read it!!!!

A Step Above Flooring & Installation

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Contact Name: Marty Dickhaus, Owner

Business Name: A Step Above Flooring & Installation

Business Address: 9634 Inter Ocean Dr. Cincinnati, OH 45246

Website: http://www.astepabovefloors.com

Business Phone: 513-889-3915

Business Description:
We are a local and family owned flooring company serving the Cincinnati Tri-State and surrounding areas since 2010. Our principles are simple: We provide excellent customer service, offer high quality and value-conscious products, do the ‘right’ thing, give back to our community, and build strong, long lasting relationships. We will not trade our values and will not compromise our commitment, honesty, or integrity. We do what we say and say what we do. Our team is key to our success with our customers and each other.

What first inspired you to get into your line of work? And what motivates you to do the work you do still today?
I’ve been in the flooring industry for 40 years and have never gotten out of it. I learned the trade under my brother and it sort of became a part of me. There are so many aspects in the flooring industry that it’s not just, carpet or hardwood. Flooring is something that stays with you overtime and we want to help people improve and enjoy their homes. I’ve really enjoyed working with people, always have, and always will… I hope they like working with me as well!

How did you come to faith in Christ?
My mom and dad were very involved in the church and it was very important that we as a family were brought up in the church as well. They were the foundation of building my faith in Christ. Years later, after getting married and having a family, we drifted away from the church and let other things take priority over our lives… school, sports, the usual. At God’s calling, my wife came to Christ and was baptized in December 2014 and  has brought our family back to the church. It was at this time that our faith began to play a very big role in every single aspect of our lives.

How does your faith impact the way you do business?
Our faith at work dictates our values, goals and view of the world. As business owners, we’ve been entrusted with gifts from God and with those gifts of business ownership means that we are to honor God with everything we do – This affects each decision we make on a daily basis. Wherever we go, whether it’s home, the workplace, the grocery store, or taking a walk in the neighborhood, we must always follow Jesus and live our faith every single day. Doing these things not only affect the way we do life outside of work but affects how we do our work.

What ministry/cause do you champion and why?
We have come to know and support Milford Miami Ministries and their mission has made a huge difference in so many lives. They are supported by many churches within the community, as well as other groups that continue to make  a difference. They have a food pantry that is open during the week for families in need. It’s an amazing pantry and is so diverse that it’s like walking into a grocery store. They also provide financial aid for rent and utilities for those in need, as well as holiday meals and gifts for children. It’s a true blessing to work with the families in the community and to see how God blesses them each and every day.

Archadeck of Akron

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Contact Name: Patrick Sluss, Owner

Business Name: Archadeck of Akron

Business Address: 368 Cope Ave Akron Ohio 44319

Website: https://akron.archadeck.com/

Business Phone: 3307541044

Business Description:
Archadeck of Akron specializes in outdoor living spaces. We help customers with designing and building their dream outdoor space. We are one of the few outdoor living contractors.  We build decks, paver patios, concrete patios, porch roofs, screened rooms, pergolas, three season and four season rooms. We also build combinations of these projects, which tends is our specialty. Customers like only having to hire one company to do a combination project.

What first inspired you to get into your line of work? And what motivates you to do the work you do still today?
I grew up with a love of working with my hands. My hobby grew into a remodeling business. We still do remodeling (Sluss  Construction https://slussconstruction.com/) with the seasonality of outdoor work. Archadeck approached us and it was a good fit since we both believe in using quality products installed the best way to deliver a project that will last the test of time.

How did you come to faith in Christ?
I grew up catholic and always believed in God. I didn’t know what it was like to have a relationship with God until I was in college. God lead to Grace Church and a life group at the University of Akron. The teaching clicked and I understood a lot more about God and what he did for me. I was also awesome to connect with other believers who where young adults.

How does your faith impact the way you do business?
We are a business for everyone so my faith is not shared with every customer directly. I love when customers open the door to share and talk about it directly though. What we do tends to be more indirect. We provide a quality project at a fair price and we stand behind our work. We treat customers how we would like to be treated. Construction is a very unregulated industry that really anyone who wants to pick up a hammer can be a contractor in Ohio. We do our best to elevate customer’s views and trust of the construction business.

What ministry/cause do you champion and why?
My wife and I have done a  trip to Mazatlan, Mexico every year for about 5 years now. Sometimes two trips in a year. The people there are awesome and really focus on relationships. It is amazing to see their fire and passion for God. The ministry is called shoulder to shoulder that we work with. They come alongside local churches and work with them to become all that God has called them to be. (https://www.hchmexico.com). It has had such an impact on us that we were married there two years ago. Really amazing worshiping the same God in a different language in another country. 

I also believe in serving at the local church. For 6 seasons now I have coached a 4-6th grade basketball team. I think it is important that they be exposed to God and shape their view of him at a young age.

State of the Christian Blue Network during COVID-19

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We wanted to let you know that the staff of the Christian Blue Network is following the Governor’s orders to stay at home during this coronavirus pandemic. During our staff prayer meeting this past Monday (via conference call), we continued praying for our clients, for specific prayer requests submitted via email, for those who have been infected with this virus, and for God’s protection for our country and world.  

These certainly are trying times, like none of us have ever seen before.  We don’t know what the future holds, but we know who holds the future.  So as the people of God, let’s trust that He will get us through this, and, by His grace, that we will be stronger because of it.

Psalm 46:1 has been my daily meditation through this crisis, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble.”  Let’s commit today to take this message of hope to a world that desperately needs it.  Now is the time for believers to rise up, love people, and make a clear defense of the hope that is found within us (1 Peter 3:15).  God will use our words – and our actions – to bring hope to the hopeless.

We especially need to stand together as the body of Christ during this time…I’m sure many of you who run or are employed in what they call “non-essential” businesses that had to temporarily close – are really struggling.  We wanted you to know that we at the Christian Blue Network are here for you.  You can email us your prayer requests to us at connect@trustbluereview.com.. Our staff will pray for you on Mondays.  Please connect with us…

But there are many other businesses that are still open, and I’m asking that you, as much as possible, support Christian owned and operated businesses during this time.  The Christian Blue Pages, TrustBlueReview.com, and our Trust Blue Mobile app (free download) feature many of the types of businesses that remain open… Accountants, Appliance Repair, Attorneys, Counseling Services, Computer Consultants, Delivery Services, Electricians, Auto Repair, Plumbers, Roofing Contractors, Home Improvements, Chiropractors, Tree Service, Insurance, and many more…

Thank you in advance for supporting these businesses that are led by people like you who have committed to operate their businesses with excellence for the glory of God.

We trust you’ve noticed that, during these trying times, we’ve been bringing encouragement to you more regularly via video messages through Constant Contact, and in spots on your local Christian radio station.  We’ve also increased our communication through social media.  So we encourage you with this…Like Us on Facebook and keep connected with the Christian Blue Network as we strive to unite and bring hope to the body of Christ during this time of isolation. Our Facebook page delivers encouraging messages that will help activate your faith for everyday life.  Like us today and stay connected to this source of daily inspiration! 

And may God be your ever present help in this time of need…

Darrel Geis, President, Christian Blue Network

Grove Overhead Door, LLC

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Business Name: Grove Overhead Door, LLC

Contact: Doug Grove, Owner

Business Address: 1688 Case Rd Columbus, OH 43224

Website: http://www.groveoverheaddoor.com

Business Phone: 6145726505

Business Description:
Grove Overhead Door is a small family owned and operated garage door company.  We install, repair and sell garage doors and openers.

What first inspired you to get into your line of work? And what motivates you to do the work you do still today?
Grove Overhead Door started as a dream for Doug who was fresh out of High School. He worked several years for a garage door company in Newark, OH. He spent about 10 years working in a factory but decided to return to the garage door industry in 1996. Grove Overhead Door, LLC was born 13 years later out of his garage and has been going strong since.

How did you come to faith in Christ?
That’s a funny story.  My wife had recently run into a high school classmate at a new church she’d started attending. The friend and her started talking a lot and then I started attending as well. Several months later I attended my first baptism celebration and asked the friend a silly yet sincere question.  I asked if they got a prize every time they helped a person get saved….which was met with the answer, “Yep, we get a toaster.”  So when I accepted Christ, of course I surprised him with a toaster!

How does your faith impact the way you do business?
We live by Matthew 7:12, “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. ”  We totally believe that you reap what you sow.

What ministry/cause do you champion and why?
There are two. The first is Total Health, based in Lewis Center (https://totalhealth.org, https://youtu.be/-SbJDLZHZCE).  The second one is King’s Ransom Foundation (https://kingsransomfoundation.org) out of Texas.  Both organizations focus on serving the extreme poor in Central America, sending volunteers and supplies for much needed basic  medical care, dental care, food, water, building homes and rescuing kids out of the sex trade.  The one closest to our heart is Total Health who partners with Iglesia Gran Comision in La Ceiba, Honduras. We sponsor a little girl named Margarita, so she can attend an after school children’s center at the church where she’ll get to play, learn about God and get a hot meal each day.  My wife has  gone on 2 mission trips to serve in La Ceiba and her life has been forever changed by what she saw/experienced there.

Secure Future Advisors

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Business Name: Secure Future Advisors

Business Address: 4489 Far Hills Ave Kettering, OH 45429

Contact: Jeff Garnica, Financial Advisor

Website: http://www.securefutureadvisor.com

Business Phone: 937-853-7527

Business Description:
Secure Future Advisors is a retirement planning and financial solutions company dedicated to providing small business owners, pre-retirees, retirees, young professionals and their families unique processes, tools and investment and insurance solutions to help build a more secure future.   As an independent advisor, we are focused on using tax-efficient investment, insurance and planning solutions that support a fiduciary approach and  your best interests.

 Although our process is innovative, our team believes in a conservative approach to investing your money and allocating your hard earned retirement savings. Our practice is driven by our passion for creating a culture where we are more to you than just your advisor- we are your steward, your teacher and your advocate. We view our relationship with you as an ongoing journey and opportunity to share our wisdom in the hopes that you can build a more secure future.

What first inspired you to get into your line of work? And what motivates you to do the work you do still today?
My desire to be of service in such a critical area as protecting families, their children, businesses, and a sucure financial  future led me to the financial planning business.  My experience has shown too many times that a large portion of individuals aligned with an advisor are simply receiving rollover, portfolio or money management services and unknowingly paying much more than the market average.  Additionally, being properly prepared to execute a successful retirement, business succession plan, and accomplish financial goals demands a much broader strategy than a focus primarily on  low cost investments and market returns.   

Life has a way of changing, and so do  the circumstances of each individual, their health, marital status,  and other important factors require us to not only be aware but more importantly to be prepared.  My process involves mapping  out a plan and actions steps to accomplish goals and dreams, but will also include contingency strategies if everything does not go exactly how we hoped.   In order to get the correct answers and establish priorities, we have to ask the right questions.   My clients have planned for the best, but are appropriately prepared should that not happen.   I am comfortable asking the tough questions because I will not leave my clients vulnerable. 

I take my role as a steward and fiduciary for my client’s financial health very seriously.  It is important that everyday I  learn and grow and give everything I have to improve my skills and  knowledge to better serve and advise.  By educating my clients and empowering them with knowledge, together we can bring confidence and clarity to their financial affairs.

How did you come to faith in Christ?
My Mother blessed me as a wonderful role model of Christianity, service to others, caring deeply for their welfare, and a true love for humanity.  She taught me through her actions about sacrifice, generosity, and being present at the time of need.  I have experienced and witnessed miracles which can only be explained via divine intervention.  Personally, my life changed dramatically when I gave my life to Christ.

How does your faith impact the way you do business?
My faith impacts my business every single day.  Having a grateful heart and knowing God will provide removes pressure and provides more focus and clarity in my thought processes. I truly enjoy being of service and helping people, and it is my desire to be a source of light and hope.    For me, this is not just a job, it is also my ministry.   Beyond improving a client’s financial health, it is my hope through God’s intervention to add to their emotional and spiritual health as well.

What ministry/cause do you champion and why?
I have a heart for the hurting and have been blessed with the gifts of compassion and empathy.  One of my primary ministries is working with individuals that suffer from addiction issues and also the families of those impacted by a loved one that suffers from addition.
Please share a story where you saw God move in your business or impact a customer…. 
I am very thankful for God’s influence in and on our business on a daily basis.   It is most felt in our guiding principles of Stewardship, Relationship, and Fellowship as outlined in our company mission statement.  As holistic advisors we desire to help our clients develop personally, spiritually, and financially.   

Freedom Bookkeeping Services

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Contact: Sherry Ellington, Owner

Business Name: Freedom Bookkeeping Services

Business Address: PO Box 256 Bethel, OH 45106

Website: http://www.freedombkservices.com

Business Phone: 513-456-2150

Business Description:
I help ministries and business owners know where there money is going so they can make informed decisions about their ministry or business. Most people do not start ministries and businesses to do the books. Yes, they are necessary but you started your ministry/business to do the a certain task or provide a service. Why not hire someone who specializes in doing the books like you specialize in what you do? Freedom Bookkeeping Services was started to help people. Customer services has so gone by the wayside in our day and age. I will do what I say, when I say. You can count on me.

What first inspired you to get into your line of work? And what motivates you to do the work you do still today?
I worked at a bank for several years early in my adulthood. Then I have done finances for public school systems and non-profits for almost 20 years. In 2017 I decided that I wanted to do this on my own and not for someone else. I wanted control on the level of customer service that I provide to my clients.

How did you come to faith in Christ?
I grew up in a pastor’s home and knew the lingo from early on. But at the age of 14,  I accepted Christ as my personal Lord and Savior. I realized then that I was a sinner. I also realized that only Jesus, dying on the cross and raising from the dead, could provide the wage for my sin. I now know that I have a home in glory one day.

How does your faith impact the way you do business?
I do everything in my life with the thought, “would this please God?” I don’t always succeed but I try my best with the Lord’s help. I am diligent in my work and strive to provide the best possible service to my clients so that they can see Jesus in me.

What ministry/cause do you champion and why?
I attend First Baptist Church of Milford which is the home of Bearing Precious Seed, a Bible printing ministry.  They print Bibles in many language and send them to help missionaries win more for Christ all over the world. In 2019, they printed over 9 million copies of God’s Word. www.bpsmilford.org

Majestic Window Cleaning and More

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Contact Name: Rick Gibbs, Owner

Business Name: Majestic Window Cleaning and More

Business Address: 113 S. Highview Road
Middletown, OH  45044

Business Phone: 513-267-1361

Business Description:
Majestic Window Cleaning and More is family owned & operated for 21 years, offering window cleaning, pressure washing, and gutter cleaning.  Dependable and affordable.  Serving residential, businesses, and churches. Free estimates. State certified and insured. Member of the Cincinnati/Dayton Better Business Bureau. Majestic Window Cleaning and More – a name you can trust!

What first inspired you to get into your line of work? And what motivates you to do the work you do still today?
I always wanted to go into business for myself. I had the opportunity to work with my brother 21 years ago who had a window cleaning business. I enjoyed this type of work and decided to start Majestic Window Cleaning and More. I enjoy meeting people through my business, and it has been a good line of business for me.

How did you come to faith in Christ?
I was raised in a Christian home and have been in church all my life.  In 1967, at the age of 9, I accepted Christ as my Savior at a revival meeting. The Bible says, “In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He will direct thy paths.” This is my favorite verse, and I try to live this daily.  I have been singing in church since a young boy and continue to glorify him through music today. People jokingly call me “The Singing Window Cleaner”!

How does your faith impact the way you do business?
Everything I do, I do unto the Lord with integrity, and desire to follow His ways both personally and in business.

What ministry/cause do you champion and why?
I am blessed to be able to glorify God through singing and teaching in churches and events. The Lord has led me to uplift and minister to others through music.

The Joy Thief Known as Busyness

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By Jimmy R. Lewis

Fighting for joy in the midst of a busy schedule is sometimes difficult even for strong, mature Christians. As a young professional in Washington, D.C., I have experienced and struggled with some of the pitfalls surrounding busyness. In a city and society that views busyness as a badge of honor, these struggles are inevitable, but succumbing to them doesn’t have to be.

Whether you’re a soccer mom with a full-time job or a day trader on Wall Street, I know that busyness can easily steal your joy, if you aren’t vigilantly fighting for joy in Christ and striving to glorify him in all that you do.

Disclaimer to Busy People

First, allow me to state that being busy and productive are not sins. On the contrary, these things can be sanctifying works for the Christian. Proverbs is full of commands for God’s people to be diligent, hard-working, and not lazy (Prov. 6:9, 10:4 14:23, 20:13, 21:5). Likewise, a major theme of Ecclesiastes is to find joy in one’s work (Eccles. 2:10, 24, 3:22, 5:18-20, 9:9-10). However, busyness can have many negative effects on your spiritual life. Here are four:

Compromising Quality for Quantity

We are called to “do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31) and to “work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” (Col. 3:23). If busyness causes you to compromise the quality of your work, then you’re likely unhealthily busy and something needs to change. Anyone can be involved in and signed up for multiple clubs, jobs, events, internships, and classes, but not everyone can perform well in all of them. If you don’t know your limit and consistently stretch yourself too thin, causing a lack of quality in your work, then God is not being maximally glorified through your schedule or your work. There may be a great quantity of work in your life, but if the quality is compromised then the impact of the work is limited, counterproductive, and potentially self-destructive.

Misprioritization

If God is the center of your life and the source of your joy, then your schedule ought to reflect it. We must take time for ourselves to be led and fed spiritually (Mark 1:35, Luke 5:16). Allow nothing to creep into the times in your day and week that are protected for Bible reading, prayer, and fellowship with other believers—to allow this is spiritual sabotage. Time spent with God ought to be a treasure nothing else eclipses. Often times, once the day begins it is difficult to find moments (much less minutes or hours) of solitude, especially for busy people, so scheduling and protecting time early in the morning before the day begins is often our best chance to set the tone for the day and set our minds on Christ.

Non-Holistic Living/Tunnel Vision

I’ve found that people often make themselves busy with things in one area of their lives (e.g. they focus on their intellectual life and spend all of their time reading and doing little else, or they focus on their physical life at the gym and their diet, or even busy themselves with their spiritual life and fill their schedule with nothing but church events and volunteering). The problem with each of these is that we aren’t merely intellectual beings, or physical beings, or even spiritual beings. As C.S. Lewis noted in Mere Christianity, “God is no fonder of intellectual slackers than He is of any other slacker.”

Our greatest commandment is to love God with all we have; with our heart (emotions), soul (spirit), mind (intellect), and strength (body and wealth/resources). To neglect any of these capacities which God has given us is half-hearted Christianity and won’t do.

Blind to Our Spiritual Needs

Finally, busyness can also blind us from recognizing what we desperately need spiritually. We can be on spiritual autopilot for days, weeks, even months, or years; just coasting through life, accomplishing things in our professional and personal lives, without focusing on Christ and without hungering and thirsting for him whatsoever. Busyness steals joy from us by distracting us from the most important aspect of our lives—our reliance on Christ. We need Christ in order to have true joy, comfort, satisfaction, and a myriad of other spiritual blessings, but the busier we become, we often feel more self-sufficient and are blinded to our need for Christ.

Good time management is understanding how to orient and structure your time in such a way that enables you to serve God and others well. Time management can be an act of worship toward God, if you allow it to be. Finally, as Christians, everything we do should be for God’s glory (1 Cor. 10:31); this includes the way we arrange our schedules. Billy Graham once said, “Give me five minutes with a person’s checkbook, and I will tell you where their heart is.” I will be so bold as to say the same about a person’s calendar. Time is the greatest gift we can give, because it’s the only thing we’ll never get back. Let us be a people who live in light of this and devote our time to God and to the task of making him known to those around us.

This article is reprinted with permission from the Institute for Faith, Work & Economics (www.tifwe.org). The original article appears here.