Devotions for a Busy Business Person, no. 239 – Soft hearted

It doesn’t make sense.

“This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:12

In business and world affairs, we are accustomed to power prevailing. Yet, God, The Almighty, came in the form of a helpless baby, completely dependent on His mother and father for care. It’s another example of God turning human paradigms on their head.

I have always been a softie and not a fighter. In business, that approach is only effective some of the time. It helps one choose battles worth fighting and avoid unnecessary conflicts. Yet there are times when we must fight—for profit, for our staff, for high ethics, and for loving our neighbors.

Those struggles in business made me resilient. It was the forge God used to shape me, along with the holy pressure of providing for my family.

The world is strange and hard for soft-hearted humans, but I think you’re a delight. Kate Bowler

One of you, my loyal readers, owns a Chinese dragon phoenix sword. It was crafted using technology passed from the Tang dynasty to Japan. The steel is heated in a forge, repeatedly hammered, and folded to remove impurities and align the metal’s grain. This process enhances strength and flexibility. It reminds me of the hammer and fire of regular business cycles for us entrepreneurs. Both forms of tempering—whether in metal or in life—can create something beautiful and powerful.

The world acknowledges we (Christians) are good hearted, but soft in the head. But we can build beautifully good businesses” Kim Tam

Prayer

God of the Manger, God Almighty, forge me into the beautiful instrument you desire. 

Amen