How to become the greatest businessman?

At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me. – Matthew 18:1-5

In this verse, Jesus taught His disciples that humility makes a man greater in the kingdom of heaven. Humility is difficult to do and only a great person who has a strong sense of righteousness, justice and self-control can do it. We all know that this virtue is good, but many people, even the most intelligent persons ever lived have failed to maintain it – instead they have been overcome by pride.

But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. – Matthew 23:11-12

The second verse describes who really the greatest person is. Being humble and servant makes a person become the greatest among men. Therefore, a businessman can be a great businessman through humility and by faithfully serving other people.

Now there was also a dispute among them, as to which of them should be considered the greatest. And He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those who exercise authority over them are called ‘benefactors.’ But not so among you; on the contrary, he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves. For who is greater, he who sits at the table, or he who serves? Is it not he who sits at the table? Yet I am among you as the One who serves. “But you are those who have continued with Me in My trials. And I bestow upon you a kingdom, just as My Father bestowed one upon Me, that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” – Luke 22:24-30

The last verse shows clear examples on how a person can be the greatest among persons. It also insinuated the greatness of our God who always serves us even before the beginning of time. Our Almighty God, the greatest, is humbly serving us.

Looking back to the question on how we can become greatest business persons, the answer is we must possess humility and become great servants to our stakeholders. Humility shall start from the time we plan to build our businesses. Our vision and our mission should be humble, selfless and be aligned to serve God and His people. A financially successful business owner who earns a lot of profit but losses honesty and integrity cannot be called a great businessman. Surely he will only succeed initially but will eventually fall down because of his weak foundations. Just like the examples in the Bible – who is greater, he who gives convenience to his customers, or he who uses his customers to get convenience for himself? Who is greater, he who offers his employees a living, or he who utilize his employees for his living? And again who is greater, he who sacrifice part of his income and remit them faithfully to the government to serve his country, or he who hides his income to benefit it all for himself?

What makes a businessman weak is the flesh, which is weaker than the spirit. Most of them become slaves of their flesh. This means slaves of all things that the flesh needs like food, water, dress, house, cars, gold, et cetera. Because of this slavery, they have sacrifice great things like love, kindness, integrity, honesty, patience and humility. But Jesus told us not to be worried about the needs of our flesh and instead we should remain faithful servants to our Almighty Father.

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? – Matthew 6:25-27

Being a great entrepreneur is not sophisticated as it may be. There are great managers but lacks great leadership skills. Thus, they manage to keep their businesses alive, but fail to bring their people and their selves to real success. Even in leadership, the greatest type and most difficult state of a leader is called a “servant leader” – a leader who is selfless and humble.

Finally, the greatest businessmen who have lived on Earth were not just measured by the fame they have earned throughout our history. The greatest business persons who have walked our planet were the ones whose acts of greatness were not just recognized by the human race but have also been glorified by our Creator who is in Heaven. Their greatness will remain not only until the end of time but will live forever.

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