I pursued my business to the extent of not realizing I was neglecting God

There was a period of time when I was managing my day work, travelling heavily on business trips and building my a new business during the night. I was so passionate and driven to make my business successful that I did not realize I spent too much time at night on it and subconsciously neglected what God has initially appointed me to do – to lead a group of fellow Christian brothers and sisters. I was missing in action for 2 months until God spoke to me through His Words in the bible and through my spouse.

What I started off for God fervently and consistently for a considerable period of time had taken a lesser priority in my life unknowingly. The consciousness of God has always been there and I have always wanted to spend time with God daily. The problem is the more I extend the time and effort on my own start up business, the more I compromise those time with God through prayer and bible study, leaving these times to the end of the day when I was physically and mentally tired. As a result, the degree of intimacy with God decreases and slowly the accountability of the things He as given me wanes. Instead of seeking God for instructions and wisdom to manage my group, I spent more time asking for favor and wisdom to build my own business. While asking God for wisdom to grow my business is not wrong, the issue is the content of my prayers are becoming more self centered and less “servanthood”. I am losing balance in this area.

However God has been merciful and gracious.

Proverbs 3:11-12, “My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, Nor detest His correction; For whom the LORD loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights.”

While reading my bible during one of those stolen moments, God brought my attention to the Words written in the book of Haggai. In particular, I could sense that God was trying to catch my attention to the following scriptures

Haggai 1:4, ““Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, and this temple to lie in ruins?””

I realized I have neglected building the house of God while I pursued to build my own business. I was convicted then.

Several days later, my spouse also mentioned that I was focusing too much on my business and have spent considerably less time with her in the evening.
I felt that God was also trying to reach me through my spouse and bring me to an attention of something that needs to be reviewed and change.

Then and there, I have decided to put my own agenda aside and reprioritize my roles and responsibilities. As much as I want to pursue my business, I have decided to cut and limit the time I spent on it and give God’s work its due diligence and attention.

Looking back at those 2 months, I was also glad that I did not clinch a major deal that would considerably boost my confidence in my new start up business. If I had then, I would have overworked to meet the dateline and compromised every other areas of my life and get hurt in the process.

I thanked God for His conviction and correction.

Revelation 3:19, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.”

In addition, I was brought back to my remembrance on what the bible says.

Proverbs 23:4, “Do not overwork to be rich; Because of your own understanding, cease!”

Proverbs 10:22, “The blessing of the LORD makes one rich, And He adds no sorrow with it.”

Anonymous