Eternal ROI

Eternal ROI: Seeking Lasting Impact

October 2, 2023

As Christian entrepreneurs, we know that profitability is essential for a business to thrive and make a positive difference in the world. However, the bottom line shouldn't be our only measure of success. We are also called to consider the eternal return on investment (ROI) of our work.

What is eternal ROI? It's leading and operating your business in ways that not only generate earthly profits but also produce fruit with enduring spiritual impact. It's being guided by Kingdom priorities beyond short-term gains.

The Pitfalls of Pursuing Profit Alone

When profit becomes the sole focus in business, it can lead to practices that are exploitative, unethical and harmful. Examples throughout history show how greed and pursuit of profit above all else causes great damage.

As Christians, we are called to reject practices that dehumanize workers and take advantage of customers. We must consider how our business decisions impact others, including future generations.

While earning a profit is essential, we should not measure business success only in financial terms. There are greater purposes to consider. Jesus warned about the temptations of wealth in the Parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12:13-21).

Adopting an Eternal Mindset

What does it look like to lead with an eternal perspective? Here are some key principles:

Operate with integrity. Be ruthlessly committed to ethical practices even when it costs you financially. Do the right thing period. The Parable of the Shrewd Manager (Luke 16:1-15) reminds us that worldly wealth has temporary value.

Serve your community. Use your business as a force for good locally. Support charitable causes, care for the environment and address needs. The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) compels us to love and serve our neighbors.

Develop people. Cultivate the gifts and leadership potential in your team. Empower them to reach their full God-given potential. The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) shows that God expects us to invest in others.

Innovate sustainably. Create products and services that improve lives while avoiding unnecessary waste and environmental harm.

Spread Kingdom principles. Share biblical truths through how you lead your business. Let it be a light reflecting God's love and values.

Provide quality and service. Deliver excellent products and customer service that brings value to others. Be a winsome example of what a Christian in business is like.

Trusting God's Higher Purposes

Pursuing eternal ROI means trusting that God's plans for our business go far beyond what we can accomplish on our own. It involves humility and reliance on Him rather than our own understanding.

When we submit our work to the Lordship of Christ, we can rest assured that our labor in Him is never in vain. The fruit may not always be visible to us during our lifetime. But we can trust God to multiply and sustain any Kingdom-centered effort.

While eternal ROI should be our aim as Christian entrepreneurs, we do not have to choose between pursuing profit and making an eternal difference. As Tim Keller said, “The Christian is called to excellence and ethical behavior in all business dealings, with an eye not only on eternity but also on serving others here on earth.”

When we run businesses guided by Micah 6:8, seeking justice, loving mercy and walking humbly with God, we can have a transformational impact on culture while still thriving financially. God cares both about our bottom line on earth and our treasure laid up for eternity.