Spiritual Entrepreneurship: Moving Beyond the "Silent Saved"
Today, I had coffee with another Christian business owner. We had a fantastic conversation that spanned business life, our backgrounds, our love of cabins in the Hocking Hills area, and, of course, our faith. One of the commonalities we shared was our desire to use our work and the proceeds of our businesses to influence more than just earthly accumulation. We both understand that not all jobs will have a direct line drawn to something eternal, but the motives behind how we use our influence and revenues certainly can.
Business and work are vitally important in this world. God understands that more than anyone, because work was His invention. In fact, the act of creation itself was work, which is why He rested on the seventh day. But our work can have much more meaning. Any of us, whether we own businesses or not, can be spiritual entrepreneurs—striving each day to be a startup for Jesus in the lives of those we encounter.
A great biblical example of a spiritual entrepreneur is Lydia, a businesswoman whose story in the New Testament offers key lessons for us today. Her story, found in Acts 16:14-15, provides a powerful example of how business success can be used to further God’s kingdom.
1. Lydia’s Business and Wealth
The Bible describes Lydia as a merchant of purple cloth, which was a highly valuable and luxurious fabric in the ancient world.
Purple dye was rare and expensive, often associated with royalty and the wealthy, meaning Lydia likely catered to an elite clientele.
Her ability to operate in this industry suggests she was a savvy entrepreneur, well-connected, and financially successful.
She was also the head of her household, implying she was either unmarried, widowed, or independently wealthy.
2. Lydia’s Spiritual Life
The Bible notes that Lydia was a “worshiper of God” (Acts 16:14), meaning she was a Gentile who revered the God of Israel, similar to a proselyte.
When Paul and his companions arrived in Philippi and spoke to a group of women by the river, Lydia was among them.
The Lord opened her heart to receive Paul’s message, and she immediately responded in faith by being baptized along with her household.
3. Lydia’s Generosity and Kingdom Impact
One of Lydia’s first acts after her conversion was to open her home to Paul and his companions, inviting them to stay.
Her home became a key gathering place for the early church in Philippi, making her one of the first Christian hosts of a house church.
She used her resources, influence, and hospitality to support the growth of the early Christian movement.
4. What We Learn from Lydia
Business and faith can work together – Lydia’s success in business did not hinder her spiritual life; instead, she used it to serve God and others.
Generosity and hospitality matter – She willingly gave what she had for the sake of the gospel.
God calls entrepreneurs – Lydia wasn’t a preacher or missionary, but her business gave her the means to fund, support, and advance the early church.
Lydia stands as a model for Christian entrepreneurs today—someone who combined faith, business, and generosity to make a lasting impact.
Reflect on your daily calendar and duties. Where can you use your influence to introduce someone near you to the love that God has for them? How can you use some of the proceeds of your labor to advance causes that impact the lives of others for Christ? We have limited time on earth, and much of it is spent at work. Let’s incorporate more spiritual entrepreneurship where we can!
-Mark
