A missionary approach to business is rooted in purpose and service, while a money-driven or status-focused approach centers on personal gain. When you approach business as a missionary, you see it as a platform to solve real-world problems and create value for others. Your mission is to bring positive change, and profit is a byproduct of the impact you make. This approach leads to long-term fulfillment because your efforts are tied to something bigger than yourself. In contrast, approaching business solely to make money or elevate your status often lacks depth and sustainability, leaving you unfulfilled despite financial success.
As Christians, we are called to uphold our values and ideals in every area of life, including business and career building. This means we cannot approach our work the same way the world does, where success is often measured by material wealth and personal gain. In Luke 12:15, Jesus warns, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” Accumulating wealth alone will never satisfy the soul. Instead, we are called to seek God’s kingdom and righteousness first, as Matthew 6:33 reminds us, trusting that everything else will follow.
Take Bosun and Bidemi, two women from the same community who started schools. Bosun approached her school with a sense of mission, aiming to raise future leaders and make a real impact. She focused on providing quality education, and over time, her school became respected and successful. Bidemi, however, saw her school as a hustle, a way to make quick money. She focused more on cutting costs and maximizing profits, neglecting the quality of education. Soon, parents noticed the drop in quality. While Bosun’s school thrived, Bidemi’s struggled. This shows that when you approach your work with a mission, it leads to long-term success, while a money-first mindset often fails.
