Overseer of God’s Remnant Assembly Akintayo Emmanuel Highlights 3 Biblical Passages for Entrepreneurs

When it comes to valuable reference books, entrepreneurs typically turn their attention to authors such as Covey, Drucker, Sinek, and of course, one of the pioneers of positive thinking and personal development, Norman Vincent Peale. However, according to the Overseer of God’s Remnant Assembly Akintayo Emmanuel, there is another and far more profound source that entrepreneurs should draw from; not once in a while or whenever the mood strikes, but daily as they navigate the ups and downs, twists and turns of their business journey: the Bible.

“Most people believe that while the Bible has a tremendous amount to say on aspects such as spiritual growth, faith, morality, prayer and community, it offers no practical insight in terms of business strategy and practice,” commented Akintayo Emmanuel, who in addition to his work with God’s Remnant Assembly also serves as President of G42-Global Reformers, The Bridge, and the CEO of AESDA and GLISI. “However, this perception is simply incorrect. In truth, the Bible has an abundance of vital advice and direction for entrepreneurs — along with warnings and cautions about heading down the wrong path.”

According to Akintayo Emmanuel, while there are numerous sources of instruction and inspiration for entrepreneurs in the Bible, three passages in particular should be viewed as fundamental and foundational: Proverbs 14:23, Matthew 7:12, and Mark 8:36.

Proverbs 14:23: “All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.”

According to Akintayo Emmanuel: “Having big dreams and lofty ambitions is fine, and can serve as an essential source of motivation. However, aspiring entrepreneurs shouldn’t expect or demand that success will happen overnight, or that others will do the work while they sit back and reap the rewards. Just talking and dreaming about success wastes precious time, and leads to disappointment, despair and regret.”

Matthew 7:12: “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”

“Some people abide by the Golden Rule in their personal life, but they suspend this principle to some extent in their business affairs. They may fool themselves with this kind of hypocrisy, but they will not and cannot fool the Lord.” states Akintayo. “Before they go to sleep at night, entrepreneurs must ask themselves if they completely honored and obeyed Jesus’s command as rendered in Matthew 7:12, without compromise or exception. If the answer is yes, they can go to sleep with a peaceful and satisfied heart. If the answer is no, then they must pledge to do better tomorrow and fulfil that obligation.”

Mark 8:36: “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?”

It is worthy and noble for entrepreneurs to apply their skills and talents in the business world, in a manner that benefits customers, clients, workers, communities, and nations. However, entrepreneurs should never lose sight of the obligations and commitments they have to their family, their colleagues, their community, and to cultivating their own relationship with the Lord. Tragically, many entrepreneurs who amass a great deal of power and wealth come to the end of their lives and realize that they are spiritually bankrupt. They have the trappings and symbols of worldly success surrounding them — a palatial home, multiple luxury cars, and the list goes on — but they are impoverished within.

According to Akintayo, “All the money in the world cannot buy or reclaim their forfeited soul. They must work and pray to get it back with whatever dwindling time they have left.”