Scripture:
“For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost,
whether he has enough to finish it—lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish,
all who see it begin to mock him.”
— Luke 14:28–29 (NKJV)
Many people admire and celebrate the owners of great business empires they see around them. Some even wish they could achieve the same level of success — but as the old saying goes, “If wishes were horses, beggars would ride.”
Few take the time to look behind the scenes to understand what it truly takes to build something lasting. The truth is, starting and sustaining a business from scratch is challenging. But when the work finally bears fruit, the reward can be remarkable.
So, how do you begin and maintain a growing, God-centered business?
1️⃣ Organize Your Ideas
Before building a business, you must organize your thoughts. You cannot create external order without internal clarity.
Ask yourself:
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What will my business be about?
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What service or product will I offer?
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Who is my target audience?
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Where will I be located?
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Do I need partners now or later?
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What makes my business unique compared to competitors?
Think deeply and strategically. Mediocre thinking produces mediocre outcomes. Study your competition, note what makes them successful, and prayerfully find ways to do it even better. As Scripture says, “Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord.” (Colossians 3:23)
2️⃣ Keep Concise and Accurate Records
Every outstanding business keeps track of its profits, losses, challenges, and wins. This discipline helps you understand your financial health and anticipate future obstacles before they arise.
Record-keeping also helps you measure growth over time — a vital practice for accountability, stewardship, and wise decision-making.
3️⃣ Be Patient with Growth
It’s easy to become discouraged when profits don’t come quickly. But remember: Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither will your business be.
It takes time to build trust with customers and credibility in your market. Stay consistent. Stay patient. Each small effort compounds over time. The Bible encourages us:
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9
4️⃣ Go the Extra Mile
Success doesn’t come to the one who does only the bare minimum. You must be willing to go beyond what others are doing.
This might mean investing more time, creativity, or resources. You may need to sacrifice comfort and convenience to make your business stand out. Every extra effort you sow will eventually produce a harvest.
Remember, “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.” (Proverbs 3:27)
5️⃣ Provide Excellent Customer Service
Your customers can either grow your business or limit it. Excellent customer service is one of the most powerful marketing tools.
Be courteous, kind, and grateful. Treat every customer with respect, regardless of how they appear. A single act of kindness can turn a casual buyer into a loyal advocate. Word-of-mouth remains one of the most effective growth strategies — especially when built on genuine care.
6️⃣ Understand the Risks and Rewards
Every venture carries a measure of risk. But wise entrepreneurs count the cost before stepping in.
Don’t rush into opportunities you don’t fully understand. Study each potential investment, pray for discernment, and choose the risks that offer the greatest potential with the least danger.
Faith is not foolishness — it’s courage guided by wisdom.
📘 Conclusion
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 20% of new businesses fail within two years, and nearly 65% close within ten years. Only a faithful 25% survive beyond fifteen years.
If you want to be among the few that endure, take the time to count the cost — spiritually, mentally, and financially. Let your business be built on a foundation of prayer, wisdom, and diligence.
Then, when the storms come (as they surely will), your “tower” will stand firm — not just in profit, but in purpose.
