By Jeff Brink, April 9, 2024

Last week, we introduced the analogy that all of God’s children are working in His family business, the largest business ever created. Every day should be viewed as a family workday, as we work side-by-side with our brothers and sisters in Christ to continue God’s work on earth and make a kingdom impact.

Worldly family businesses typically have goals and objectives, both short and long-term. A typical list looks like this:

• Building a name (or legacy)
• Growing the business (or flourishing)
• Providing for the broader family
• Developing and maintaining a sterling reputation
• Succession planning

In the coming weeks, we will connect these worldly pursuits to building God’s Kingdom family business and provide practical insight. Today, we focus on building a name (or legacy) in the “family business.”

The world promotes a narrative of self-centered achievement and that success, in large part, is making a name for yourself. Most family businesses strive to do the same—elevate their name or brand and ultimately leave a legacy for future generations.

Scripture tells us something different. Once we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we become a new creation in Christ, and our identity is found in Him (Colossians 3:1-4, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 2:20). We are called to put off our old selves and clothe ourselves in Christ. This is a new calling to live in Christ. As such, Christians should Exalt Jesus’ name above all others, most certainly our own and our worldly family business name.

Paul tells us in Philippians 2:9-11 “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Therefore, as we build God’s family business with our brothers and sisters in Christ, let’s make a name for Jesus and glorify God in our work. Look for opportunities to use your professional network and spheres of influence in the marketplace to point to Jesus and exalt His name. Be sure to give Him the glory when “you succeed” in something and do so publicly as a witness.

Remember, the legacy of Jesus is what matters, not yours.