19 Nov 2014 by Adeline Lum CM-
On October 26th, Pastor Tony Tay gave his final session on the Authority of Kingdom Leadership in the Fellowship of Companies for Christ International (FCCI) annual conference at the Awana Genting Highlands Golf and Country Resorts.
Former Group chairman and CEO of 38 companies in New Zealand from year 1995 to 2008, Pastor Tony is now the founder pastor of Jireh Marketplace Ministry International, international itinerant speaker and adjunct lecturer.
In the business world, it is essential to plan because if you do not plan, you are planning to fail. But why do we want to plan when the Bible says, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.” (Prov 19:21)
Pr Tony shared that although we hold the pen of the business plan, be humble enough to give God the eraser. In other words, we can plan but always ask and allow God to intervene.
Only when we are in God’s plan, our plan would succeed. That is why the prophetic ministry plays an important role in revealing and/or confirming God’s plan to us.
Amos 3:7 says, “Surely the Sovereign LORD does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.”
However, sometimes, we doubt whether God’s plan would truly succeed, as we witnessed the chaos, war, and unrighteousness that are so rampant in this world.
Yet, the Bible says that God is omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent. Hebrews 4:13 says, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”
In other words, no financial turbulence, disaster, or other misfortunes happening in this world catches God by surprise because He already knows what is going to happen.
But some disheartened Christians have already thrown in the towel and look forward towards the return of Jesus Christ to restore the Kingdom of God.
However, Psalm 115:16 tells us that God entrusted planet earth to mankind to rule.
It says, “The highest heavens belong to the LORD, but the earth he has given to mankind.” In other words, God entrusted planet earth to mankind to rule.
Created in God’s image, we also possess His Authority to rule and dominate over the earth. Another attribute we are given is free-will, which enables us to love, to obey, and to submit. And while Satan thought he could ruin God’s plan by seducing Adam and Eve to sin, God’s plan always prevails over Satan.
So, what is God’s plan? Exodus 19:6 tells us that God’s plan is to build a nation that is holy and blameless in his sight. And in Ephesians 1:4 Paul emphasizes the reason we are chosen.
For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love… (Eph 1:4)
Hence, it’s so important to know the plans of God and align our business according to His plan, so that we gain His Authority over our business. And this Authority comes in no other way than submitting to Him.
God has a purpose for each one of us on this earth. Had it not been for a purpose, God could have just zapped us to Heaven. But Scripture tells us that restoration must happen before Jesus returns.
Hebrews 10:12-13 says, “but He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time onward until his enemies be made a footstool for his feet.”
1 Cor 15:24-25 says, “Then comes the end, when He hands over the kingdom to the God and Father, when He has abolished all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be abolished is death.”
And finally, Acts 3:21 says it clearly, “Heaven must receive him (Jesus Christ) until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets.”
How is God going to restore the world? He is restoring us by using people like you or me in our respective domain of influence. Hence, build your business on the rock and not the sand so that it will last. (Matt 7:24)
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. (Matt 7:24)
The time will certainly come when everything that will be shaken will be shaken. Hebrews 12:26-29 says, “At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.”
In conclusion, we need to know God’s Plan and Will and ways as marketplace leaders.
Also, we must listen and practice the whole truth, not listen to and practice the fragmented truth. Acts 20:27 says it well: “For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God.”
This is because fragmented truths result in fragmented lifestyles. And a sacred-secular lifestyle leads to a defeated life of a Christian believer.
Lastly, although we make business decisions with logic, remember to invite the Holy Spirit and also God’s wisdom in making a decision that is in His Plan and His Will.
Note: This article is written from the author’s point of view, where by the content is selected, condensed, and expanded from the speaker’s original sharing. Please note that the content above may not comprehensively reflect the original sharing.
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