Acts 17: Lessons for Business Owners on Purpose and Influence

Key Verse:
"For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship—and this is what I am going to proclaim to you." (Acts 17:23, NIV)

As business owners, it’s easy to get consumed by the hustle of daily operations—meeting deadlines, managing finances, and navigating challenges. But have you ever paused to ask: What is the true purpose of my business? In Acts 17, Paul’s encounter with the Athenians in a city filled with idols provides valuable lessons for entrepreneurs about purpose, influence, and faith.

1. Understand the "Idols" of Your Business

In Athens, Paul noticed countless idols, reflecting the people’s desire to worship something greater. Today, idols can take many forms in business:

• The relentless pursuit of profit at the expense of integrity.

• A fixation on competition, forgetting collaboration and community.

• Overworking to achieve success, leaving little room for family, faith, or self-care.

Take a moment to reflect: What might be an “idol” in my business? Are there areas where your priorities need realignment? Recognizing these can free you to refocus on what truly matters.

2. Use Your Business as a Bridge to Build Connections

Paul didn't dismiss or criticize the Athenians’ beliefs outright. Instead, he acknowledged their spirituality and used their "unknown god" as a bridge to share the Gospel. In business, building relationships is key to influence.

Here’s how you can apply this:

• Understand your clients’ and employees’ needs deeply. What drives them? What are they seeking?

• Use your products or services not just to meet financial goals but to add real value to their lives.

• Build a culture of respect and empathy in your workplace, where connections go beyond transactions.

Your business can be a platform for meaningful conversations, trust, and impact.

3. Boldly Proclaim Your Purpose

Paul's message was clear: the “unknown god” the Athenians sought was the one true God, the Creator and Savior. Similarly, your business has a unique purpose—something only you can fulfill in your industry or community.

Ask yourself:

• What value does my business bring to others?

• How can I reflect my faith and values through my work?

• Am I intentional about giving credit to God for my success?

By aligning your business with a higher purpose, you inspire others and create an enduring legacy. Like Paul, you’re not just offering solutions—you’re pointing others to something greater.

4. Stay Resilient Amidst Challenges

When Paul shared his message, some mocked him, others were curious, and a few believed. As a business owner, you will encounter similar responses—criticism, skepticism, and, sometimes, acceptance. Resilience is essential.

Learn from Paul’s example:

• Focus on those who are willing to listen and grow with you.

• Don’t let negativity discourage you from staying true to your mission.

• Trust that your work, when done with integrity and purpose, will bear fruit in time.

Final Thought: Your Business as a Testimony

Acts 17 reminds us that every person—and every business—has a deeper purpose. Your company isn’t just a means to earn a living; it’s an opportunity to reflect God’s creativity, goodness, and provision. When you prioritize integrity, build meaningful connections, and boldly live out your values, you become a modern-day "Paul," influencing your marketplace and community for the better.

Challenge for the Week:
Take 30 minutes this week to reflect on your business purpose. Write down one way you can better align your business with God’s values and take a step to implement it. Whether it's treating an employee with unexpected kindness, supporting a client in a unique way, or donating a portion of your profits to a cause, let your business be a light in today’s marketplace.

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the opportunity to be a steward of this business. Help me to recognize any “idols” that may have taken Your place and to align my work with Your purpose. May my business be a blessing to my clients, employees, and community, and may it reflect Your glory in all I do. Amen.