The time is right to debunk the mindset that the only way to serve God is by running a non-profit organization. The idea that the work of God is restricted to the four walls of the church. If for some reason you didn’t work in a church. You had to find something non-profit to do. This mindset is dangerous. It makes it look like God has an issue with his children that do things for profit. People on the Lord’s side did things they made money from in the Bible. For example, Joseph didn’t give away the food he stored. He sold it. You can build a for-profit business around your mission.
The truth is bitter. But, someone can run a church as a personal shop. A venture never commissioned by heaven. In the words of Jesus, “On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’” (Matthew 7:22-23 ESV). We see here that working in church does not mean you’re doing God’s work. You can build a school, charge the highest prices, and still be doing the Lord’s work. Offering quality education is expensive and time intensive. You had to charge higher prices, so that you deliver value.
For these reasons, it is hard to disagree with St. Augustine. For he opined that “love God and do whatever you please: for the soul trained in love to God will do nothing to offend the One who is Beloved.” So, if we can establish that you love God. You are free to do whatever you like. Even if it’s to build a for-profit business that is making billions of dollars every minute. Think about it and see; for-profit social media platforms have done more to propagate the gospel of Jesus Christ than many non-profit organizations. You can do a lot of good if you build a for-profit business.
