Devotions for a Busy Business Person, no. 316 – The Compass That Is Christ
I’m a biologist, comfortable working in the bush. One of my key tools, long before the advent of smart phones, was my compass. I would adjust it for magnetic north, depending on where I was in the world, and once that was done, I knew where North was. No matter how dense the forest was, no matter how limited my field of vision, with my compass and map or air photo, I could figure out where I was and where I needed to go.
“He (Jesus) is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” — Colossians 1:17
We need that same re-orientation in business, at least daily. When you are stuck in the muskeg of receivables, crawling over the deadfall of difficult clients, or scrambling up the steep cliff of profitability, the last thing you need is to be lost in the panic of the moment. No, this is the exact time to check where you are and where you need to go.
The compass in business? Christ.
The map? The Word of God, especially the gospels.
This is not a remote God, but one ‘well acquainted with grief’, especially yours (Isaiah 53:3). He is intimately familiar with your struggles and joys in business and in life.
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” — Psalm 119:105
What does it look like in daily practice to check in with the Compass? For me, it is a combination of a disciplined start to the journey and regular, ad hoc, check ins. Terri and I start almost every morning with devotions. This is like looking at the map and setting your compass before starting the journey. Then through the day, there are those impromptu check-ins with Jesus. Sometimes they are quite casual, like meeting at the water cooler with the Saviour and checking in how the day is going. Sometimes more desperate, when I need Him to throw me the lifeline of consolation before going into what might be a muddy meeting with a senior government official.
Whatever you do, please do not start your business day without your Compass. You’ll never lose your way.
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ,
You are before all things, and in You all things hold together. When the pressures of business become dense and confusing, reorient my heart toward You. Let Your Word be the map beneath my feet and Your presence the compass that keeps me from losing my way. Guide my decisions, steady my spirit, and help me lead in a way that honours You.
Amen
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