The False Beliefs Around Financial Security: A Christian Entrepreneur’s Perspective

According to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, there are 31 million entrepreneurs in the U.S., which is about 16% of the adult workforce. However, about 55% of adults have started a business at some point in their lives, and 26% have started two or more businesses. So why is there such a high percentage (55%) of adults starting businesses, yet only 16% continue on their entrepreneurial journey? There are multiple reasons, but one I frequently encounter is people’s false beliefs around financial security.

Financial security is a concept that is often misunderstood, especially in the entrepreneurial world. Many people equate financial security with having a stable income, a hefty bank account, and investments that guarantee a comfortable future. While these are important aspects of financial planning, they are not the ultimate source of security.

How would you define “financial security”?

For a Christian business owner, scripture tells us time and time again that our security isn’t found in our paycheck or bank account. Wealth, power, and fame have an intoxicating effect on people, making them feel self-reliant, self-secure, and independent of God. But this false security can be easily shattered. Financial markets fluctuate, economies go through downturns, and jobs can be lost in an instant. True financial security, therefore, is not found in the material, but in the eternal.

This principle applies to many aspects of life, but it is especially relevant to entrepreneurs, and even more so to Christian entrepreneurs. Our financial security doesn’t primarily stem from our efforts. It comes from our pursuit of God and His unique calling upon our lives to walk out our faith in the marketplace.

Several years ago, I started telling folks, “You want to grow your faith, start your own business.” Time and time again, I find this to be true with Christian entrepreneurs. God uses their business to take them to new levels of intimacy in their relationship with Christ through a journey of turning loose of financial security and entrusting all they do to God.

Running a business is a journey of faith. Every decision, every risk, every success, and every failure is an opportunity to lean more on God and less on our own understanding. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” This verse encapsulates the essence of true financial security for Christian entrepreneurs. It’s about trusting God with every aspect of our business and knowing that He is in control.

The high percentage of adults who start businesses but do not continue might be due to many factors such as market conditions, personal circumstances, or business challenges. However, one significant factor is the realization that financial security, as they understood it, is elusive. When the perceived financial security crumbles, so does their motivation to continue.

For Christian entrepreneurs, the challenge is to redefine financial security. It’s not about the amount of money in the bank but about the strength of our relationship with God. It’s about knowing that our provision comes from Him, and that He is our ultimate provider. This perspective not only sustains us through the ups and downs of business but also deepens our faith and dependence on God.

In conclusion, while the journey of entrepreneurship is fraught with uncertainties, for the Christian entrepreneur, it is also a profound journey of faith. By shifting our focus from financial security in worldly terms to a deep trust in God’s provision, we can find true security. As we navigate the challenges and triumphs of business, let’s remember that our true security is not found in our financial status, but in our faithful God who calls us to walk by faith and not by sight.

PS. The picture in today’s post comes from a very pivotal point back in our families entrepreneurial journey back in March 2012 as it relates to financial security.  To learn more about this story, click here.

2 responses to “The False Beliefs Around Financial Security: A Christian Entrepreneur’s Perspective”

1. Jenny says:

   12/15/2024 at 3:36 pm

   This is a very good article and hits home with everything God is teaching me and our family. It seems whole-hearted reliance on God in the area of finances is more of a “nice idea” than a way of living. So then it’s hard to find people actually modeling it, because it wasn’t modeled to them. The concept of success defined by the world versus how God defines it is huge.

   Reply
   • chrisarnold says:

     12/15/2024 at 4:14 pm

     Thanks Jenny. Keep and eye out for my book coming out in the spring where I delve into in greater detail.

     Reply