Faithful vs Willful
Canlis was about to shutter as a restaurant until they made a faithful decision to follow God’s will for their business. The result was truly transformational, and you’ll watch their story of faithfulness unfold. Discuss these 3 questions:
Striving is characterized by an internal pressure that “I have to make this happen” in my energy. In the timeframe I want. And by the means I think are best. How are you trying to make everything happen on your own?
Are you surrendering yourself and your business to God on a daily basis or only when it suits your purposes? Are you pursuing the sinister cousin that looks like you’re doing God’s will but it’s actually with your own energy and agenda?
Are you able to be honest and transparent with others by leaning on them to point out your shortcomings and affirm your strengths?
This guide is intended for personal reflection and to help facilitate a meaningful group discussion. Take a moment to watch the video and read over the guide before your group meeting. Be prepared with some personal examples to help encourage discussion. If helpful, before you meet, print out or email a copy of this guide to all those who will attend the meeting.
5 Ideas to Explore the Mark Further
There’s no limit to the ways you can explore the Marks of a Faith Driven Entrepreneur. What we provide below are five ideas we think might lead each one of us to an even greater understanding of our God-given call to create.
Journal: It can be hard to tell the difference between faithful and willful, especially when you think you’re doing the right thing. But here’s the litmus test. If we find ourselves thinking, “I want to do God’s will, but I just want to do it my way,” we might be in trouble. In one column, write down the many ways you find yourself being willful. In a second column, determine who you can choose to be faithful.
Interact: Grit and perseverance can be seen as altruistic characteristics of an entrepreneur. But these traits can also be a sign of willfulness. How do we know the difference? Ask someone who has line of sight to see your true motives. Invite others into the process.
Consider: King David faced significant adversity throughout his life. And we have the Psalms as a result of his many trials and tribulations. From his words we can learn much about the importance of trusting in the LORD always, especially when times are tough. Spend extended time reading David’s poems of lament. Consider how his words can be your words.
Act Differently: What we need to recognize about willful versus faithful is that we are constantly adjusting and recalibrating our hearts to pursue the glory of God rather than our own. It takes patience. Grace. Time. And most of all, it takes a humble and contrite spirit. What can you do to pursue this posture of faithful obedience?
Learn From Others: Visit faithdrivenentrepreneur.org to learn more or join the conversation by listening to our weekly Faith Driven Entrepreneur Podcast.
Entrepreneurs can travel a lonely road. But you’re not alone. You’re sitting next to a group of like-minded business owners right now. One of the best ways to grow the Faith Driven Movement is to multiply your group.
Is someone in your group ready to raise his or her hand to start a Faith Driven Entrepreneur Group at a local church? Apply at faithdrivenentrepreneur.org/lead-a-group
