One aspect of business that has always fascinated me is the role God plays in the lives of entrepreneurs. What’s apparent is that there is an abundance of inventors and entrepreneurs that believe their concepts, ideas and business all owe God the credit. What is more interesting is how little this is made known to the general public. It seems that those entrepreneurs that hold a strong faith in God often only insinuate His role in the process. I am not just talking about fellow inventors on Yak About It or other business people I have met along the way, I am also referring to myself. I truly believe my given talents, drive, people I have been blessed to meet and business situations were all guided by God’s hand. I have had the free will to use my talents, meet great people or take an opportunity, but it is the presence of these sources that point to the fact God must be present. There are so many occurrences in my life and business that I would have never even prayed for, yet they occurred and I am FAR better off because of these happenings. The glory should be given to God.
This all leads me back to the question of : ”Why is God (or discussing God) politically incorrect? Why does it offend or turn people off?
1.) Perhaps it is politically incorrect because we are so afraid of alienating those who don’t believe in God. This I feel might be the worst reason of all. For those who don’t believe in God I certainly don’t want to hold up against a wall and force them to accept God, but it is these very people I hope to reach with my message of God’s power in our everyday lives. It is for those that don’t believe that hearing of God’s work is most important. Once again it’s not about forcing a belief, but rather not being afraid to share the strength God has provided in our everyday lives.
2.) Perhaps it is politically incorrect because those that hear you talk of God think that you feel you are better or ’special’. Of course if people who did mention or credit God really felt they were better or ‘special’ that would be disturbing, but perhaps in general maybe people get turned off because that is how they want to view those who speak of faith. This reason could be the unfortunate truth that a few spoiled it for the whole. I hope this is not the case and that this reason for offending can be set aside.
3.) Perhaps it is politically incorrect because many people feel giving God the credit is a cop out. If God is present in everything then giving Him the credit for certain entrepreneurial happenings is a ‘lame’ answer. A good friend of mine who happens to be atheist once said when I asked him where he turns for guidance in his business troubles, “I say self, let’s do this,.. ‘self’ what do I need to do?.. and before I know it ‘self’ comes up with a solution”. I think it could be considered more ‘lame’ that ’self’ or our own great genius is what guides us in business. I think God’s role is often clear and should be more politically correct than how great or how smart any one person thinks they are.
Perhaps the real subconscious reasons as to why God’s role in our inventions, business and entrepreneurial efforts remains a quieter secret will never be known, but I hope that it can be a more free and accepted topic as the world evolves.
My last take on this topic is that just like anything it can be over-done. No one wants to hear how God helps you email. The other side of it is that their are steps in the entrepreneurial journey that others can learn from so while giving God credit is good we must provide the business content for others to reap the rewards of mistakes and successes of our past entrepreneurial ventures.
Jeff, good for you for having the courage to say this. As a Christian (and inventor), it is strange how society has made it politically incorrect to discuss something so important to so many Americans.
The good thing is that this is your website and you have the right to say whatever you want!!!!! Thanks for all that you do for inventors Jeff!!!!!!!
Nice post & nice blog. I love both.
Steve,
I think on many levels you are correct. Misguided religion and religious beliefs that cause people to hurt one another is EVIL… but I would say that those actions and hateful efforts that people want to call religion is simply the enemy masquerading around as “religion” in an attempt to turn more people off from God.
What about all the good, faithful actions done by those that believe in a Higher Power? Or what about the inner peace and joy that the belief in Jesus Christ has brought so many people? Where religion or where I like to refer to it as evil infiltrating religion has created issues, is the way humans have tried to forcefully make those with differing religions believe in their God. A conversation of the facts, evidence and proof can be helpful as that is education. What is not useful is hate and scary ‘you’ll go to hell’ tactics used to enforce belief. It is those attempts, along w/ misguided religions that evoke hate that are surely not part of the God who created our world’s plan.
Perhaps your discontent in the post is why they say never discuss ‘politics or religion’ but to those that say that I hope to never fall in that path as that is not only boring, but it is not realistic. How can major topics of our time be ignored? Quite simply put ENTREPRENEURS are effected by politics and have religious reviews… until those views stop,…. we’ll keep discussing.
You’ve just completely turned me off of your website. Keep your beliefs to yourself.
Religion is the root of all evil. If there were no religion in the world, there would be far less wars and violence.
Ronnie,
I am always up for a good discussion. Let me ask you if there is no God: Who created the universe? If you don’t think God created you and you think it was simply your parents then you must answer who or what created overall existence? Was it all random? Or where does your conscious come from? If there is no God then how can there be a notion of sin. If there is not a greater being you would never feel a tug when you do something wrong. Or where do your natural talents come from? Whatever you are good at, is it just simply meaningless. I choose to believe in a higher power. I do this not just because of all the evidence that points to a world with a God, but I also do this because of the internal peace it brings. When I know God has a purpose for me and for all of us I know there is no need to worry and no need to show anger. It is not a question of if bad things will happen in life because they will… at the very least we will all have loved ones around us die… but the option is to walk with God when tragedy hits or to walk alone. I enjoy my walk with God and I know others who are unsure would too if they tried it.
This would be great if there was a God. But clearly there isn’t. If there was a God, then I would like him to know that I am disgusted by the way he has treated mankind.
Let us be clear. God did not invent or come up with any good ideas. We know this because God does not exist.
“The invisible and the non-existant look very much alike” DB McKown
Finally I do not think this is the right channel to be having this discussion – I have no idea why you posted this here. Go back to your church.