When you build a business with excellence and a missionary mindset, it’s about more than just making money; it’s about having a higher purpose. A missionary approach views business as a means of helping people and finding practical solutions to problems; in doing so, you gain additional resources (profits) that allow you to accomplish more. This kind of mindset leads to long-term success and fulfillment, as you’re not just chasing money, but creating lasting value. In contrast, a mercenary approach—focused solely on making quick money—may bring short-term gains, but it often lacks the depth needed for sustainability and long-term impact.
Apple is a great example of how a missionary mindset can lead to massive success. Under Steve Jobs, Apple’s mission was clear: to change the world through technology. Jobs was obsessed with creating products that were not only innovative but beautifully designed and user-friendly. His relentless pursuit of excellence turned Apple into one of the most valuable companies in the world. On the other hand, some technology companies that only care about market share or short-term profits struggle to generate long-term value. They may make quick gains, but without a clear mission, their success is short-lived. It is well documented that missionaries consistently outperform mercenaries in business.
Proverbs 10:4 tells us, “Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.” Diligence is essential for success in business, but without a strong mission to guide your efforts, all that hard work can easily be wasted. A mercenary approach, no matter how diligent, lacks direction and purpose. Over time, it leads to confusion and poor decisions. However, a missionary mindset keeps you on the right path, ensuring that your efforts build something meaningful and lasting. With mission and diligence combined, long-term success becomes not just possible, but inevitable.
