I’ve noticed something interesting in my entrepreneurial journey – my belief in God makes people uncomfortable. It’s not just a casual faith; I have one of the strongest predispositions toward faith that I know. This discomfort I see in others stems from a fundamental misunderstanding about what faith means in the context of achievement and success.
Many entrepreneurs fear that faith means surrendering control. They picture someone sitting on their mother’s couch, broke and sick, merely dreaming about what they want while taking no action. This couldn’t be further from my reality.
The Divine Partnership
My relationship with God is not passive – it’s a partnership. I firmly believe God is commanding me, working with me, and collaborating with me in everything I do. This isn’t about blind faith or waiting for miracles while doing nothing. It’s about active co-creation.
In my experience, I am never punished by God. Instead, I am:
- Protected when facing challenges
- Promoted when opportunities arise
- Loved unconditionally through successes and failures
- Perfected through the lessons I learn along the way
This perspective has been transformative in my business approach. When I face setbacks or obstacles, I don’t view them as punishment but as protection or redirection toward something better.
Faith Requires Action
The misconception that faith means inaction is perhaps what makes people most uncomfortable. My faith doesn’t mean I sit back and wait for God to do everything. I need to do the work. I need to take action. I need to be intentional.
I don’t demand things from God, and God doesn’t demand things from me. Instead, we “co-mand” – we collaborate, coordinate, and co-create together. This partnership approach has been the foundation of my success.
The entrepreneurs I mentor often struggle with this concept initially. They’ve been conditioned to believe that success comes solely from their own efforts or that faith means relinquishing control. Neither extreme is accurate in my experience.
Embracing the Uncomfortable
I understand why my perspective makes people uncomfortable. In business circles, talking about God can feel taboo. The idea that success might involve something beyond our complete control challenges the narrative of the self-made entrepreneur.
But I’ve found that acknowledging this divine partnership has given me:
- Greater resilience during difficult times
- More gratitude during successful periods
- A sense of purpose beyond profit
- Clarity when making important decisions
This discomfort others feel is often a reflection of their own uncertainty. We like to believe we’re in complete control of our destiny. The thought that there might be a higher power involved in our success can be unsettling if you’re not accustomed to it.
My faith doesn’t diminish my work ethic or business acumen. If anything, it enhances them. I work as if everything depends on me, but I pray as if everything depends on God. This balance has served me well throughout my career.
So yes, my belief in God makes people uncomfortable. But I’ve learned to be comfortable with that discomfort. My faith is not just a personal belief system; it’s an integral part of my business philosophy and success strategy. And while it may not be the path for everyone, it’s been the cornerstone of my journey as an entrepreneur.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do you balance taking action versus relying on faith?
I view it as a partnership rather than an either/or situation. My faith motivates and guides my actions, while my actions demonstrate my faith. I work diligently, make strategic decisions, and take calculated risks, but I do so with the belief that I’m co-creating with God. This mindset gives me both the confidence to act boldly and the humility to recognize that not everything is within my control.
Q: Does bringing faith into business conversations create barriers with potential partners or clients?
It can create initial discomfort, but I’ve found that authenticity builds stronger relationships in the long run. I don’t impose my beliefs on others, but I also don’t hide this central aspect of my approach to business. Many people respect the clarity and conviction that comes from my faith, even if they don’t share the same beliefs. The key is expressing faith with respect for others’ perspectives.
Q: What do you mean when you say you’re “never punished, only protected”?
When deals fall through or ventures fail, many entrepreneurs see it as punishment or bad luck. I choose to see these setbacks as protection from what might have been worse outcomes or redirection toward better opportunities. This mindset helps me learn from failures without being defeated by them. It’s about finding the growth opportunity in every challenge rather than viewing difficulties as divine punishment.
Q: How do you respond to critics who say faith has no place in business?
I respect their perspective but disagree with the premise. Business isn’t separate from life—it’s an extension of who we are. If faith is central to my identity, it naturally influences my business decisions and leadership style. Many successful business leaders throughout history have been guided by faith principles. What matters is how faith is expressed: not through imposition but through values like integrity, service, and purpose that benefit everyone regardless of their beliefs.
Q: Can your approach to faith and entrepreneurship work for people of different religious backgrounds?
Absolutely. While I speak from my personal faith experience, the principle of co-creation can resonate across different spiritual traditions. The core idea—that we work in partnership with something greater than ourselves—appears in many belief systems. The language might change, but many successful entrepreneurs find strength in connecting their work to a higher purpose or power, whether they call it God, the universe, or something else entirely.
