I AM AN ENTERPRISE
This morning, I have chosen to title this message “I Am An Enterprise.” I encourage you to turn to your neighbor, gently tap them, and affirm this statement by saying, “I am an enterprise.” Repeat it once more for emphasis. Now, direct your attention to another individual and declare to them, “You are an enterprise.” Let us give praise to God for this revelation. I will draw insights from two biblical passages: Proverbs 22:29 and Genesis 1:28. Starting with Proverbs 22:29, I will reference the Message Translation, which states, “Observe people who are good at their work; skilled workers are always in demand and admired; they don’t take a backseat to anyone.” I will reiterate this for clarity: “Observe people who are good at their work; skilled workers are always in demand and admired; they don’t take a backseat to anyone.” Are we all on the same page?
Now, let us turn our attention to Genesis 1:28, which reads, “Then God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds in the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.'” The key takeaway from this passage is the divine blessing bestowed upon humanity, accompanied by the command to be fruitful and multiply. It is essential to understand that you were present in the lineage of Adam when God issued this command. The Creator, who spoke these words, inherently recognized your potential to be fruitful. This declaration implies that you possess the capacity to produce and contribute meaningfully. When we analyze the term “fruit” closely, it signifies value. To be fruitful is to embody value, to be driven by purpose, and to possess something significant to offer that can bridge existing gaps in our world.
In various instances throughout the Gospels, Jesus is depicted as approaching a fig tree with the intention of finding fruit to eat. The biblical narrative emphasizes that a fig tree is inherently expected to yield figs, which raises the question of what it truly means for a fig tree to be fruitful. This expectation can be likened to our familiarity with other fruit-bearing trees, such as mango or orange trees, which are more common in certain regions. The analogy serves to illustrate that when one encounters a tree that is meant to produce fruit, there is an inherent expectation that it will fulfill its purpose. This expectation is not merely a human construct; it reflects a divine intention that all of creation should bear fruit and contribute meaningfully to the ecosystem.
The underlying principle is that every creature, including humans, possesses intrinsic value and a unique role to play in the world. God’s original design intended for each individual to be a vessel of worth, usefulness, and significance, which should be cultivated and shared with others. While it is true that no human is perfect, each person is endowed with value that should not be overshadowed by their imperfections.
Focusing solely on one’s flaws can lead to a diminished sense of self-worth, obscuring the recognition of one’s inherent goodness.
Just as a fig tree is not expected to produce oranges, individuals are called to recognize and embrace their unique contributions to the world, thereby fulfilling the divine mandate to be fruitful and value-driven in their lives.
You possess inherent value and have unique contributions to offer. In the biblical context, God bestowed blessings upon humanity, urging them to be fruitful and multiply, emphasizing the importance of being driven by value. The writer of Proverbs highlights this notion in Proverbs 22:29, stating that individuals who excel in their work are consistently sought after and respected, never relegating themselves to a subordinate position. Furthermore, Proverbs 18:16 asserts that a person’s gifts create opportunities and elevate them in the eyes of influential individuals. This concept extends beyond mere physical gifts or packaged items; it encompasses the broader idea of recognizing and utilizing your abilities to provide value. When you embrace this value-giving mindset, you will find that opportunities present themselves naturally, and those around you—be it employers, spouses, or friends—will benefit from the value you bring.
Every creation of God possesses intrinsic worth, and it is essential to trust in divine guidance to uncover the value embedded within us.
The act of releasing this value not only enriches others but also enhances our capacity to receive in return. In Genesis 1:28, when God blessed humanity, He was affirming our potential to take initiative and make the most of the opportunities bestowed upon us. This perspective positions each individual as an enterprise in their own right. The term “entrepreneur” refers to someone who organizes and manages an enterprise, often with significant initiative and risk. By viewing oneself as an enterprise, one can embrace the role of an entrepreneur, effectively managing their own endeavors, whether it be a personal venture or a partnership, such as “Me Nigeria Limited” or “Me And My Wife Nigeria Limited.”
Have you ever encountered enterprises like Kolade and Sons or Johnson and Johnson? The journey begins with managing a business, which I refer to as “me,” and from that point, we can progress further. I emphasize the importance of starting with a limited company, as it lays the groundwork for eventually transitioning to a public limited company (PLC). It is essential to manage the limited entity effectively before expanding into a larger structure. This foundational step is crucial, and I encourage everyone to embrace this process with faith and enthusiasm, as it is a pathway to greater opportunities.
As we delve into the intricacies of enterprise development, I pose a significant question for everyone present, whether in person, online, or through other media: Am I enterprising? This question is vital for self-reflection. The term “enterprising” encompasses a range of qualities, including being active, ambitious, adventurous, and bold. To be enterprising is akin to being a spark plug in a vehicle, igniting the engine and propelling it forward without causing harm. This metaphor illustrates the essence of being enterprising, whether in business management or any career path. As you leave this service, consider whether you embody these traits: Are you active, zealous, and ready to take on challenges? This self-assessment is crucial for your growth and success.
It is essential to recognize that if you are unable to identify a connection between yourself and the concepts or terms being discussed, it may hinder the full realization of the blessings that God has bestowed upon your life. This limitation can obstruct your destiny, preventing it from reaching its fullest potential. When you fail to acknowledge your enterprising nature or find aspects of your life that resonate with these empowering words, you risk adopting a mindset that is contrary to being proactive. The antithesis of an enterprising spirit is often characterized by traits such as inactivity, passivity, and a lack of ambition. Whether you are engaged in a professional career or fulfilling the responsibilities of a full-time homemaker, it is crucial to assess whether you are embodying qualities that reflect enthusiasm and initiative, or if you are instead exhibiting a laid-back and unmotivated demeanor.
To illustrate this point, consider the example of Jacob, whose life trajectory exemplifies the power of an enterprising mindset. Jacob’s blessings were fully realized because he approached life with a proactive attitude, demonstrating a willingness to engage and take initiative. Unlike his father Isaac, who did not seek employment but rather pursued his own endeavors, Jacob was the first in the lineage of Abraham to actively seek opportunities. His journey serves as a reminder that embracing an enterprising spirit can lead to the maximum expression of one’s potential and blessings. Therefore, it is imperative to reflect on your own approach to your work and responsibilities, asking yourself whether you are truly engaging with the opportunities before you or allowing passivity to limit your potential.
When the moment arrived, Jacob was informed by his mother, who had conspired with him, to seize the blessing intended for his brother. She urged him to act swiftly, as their father was on the verge of bestowing the blessing. The narrative unfolds with a divine allowance, as God permitted this act, aligning it with His original intentions. Consequently, Esau, filled with rage and betrayal, sought vengeance against Jacob, leading to a precarious situation where Jacob’s life was in jeopardy. To avoid Esau’s wrath, Jacob fled his father’s home, instructed to seek refuge among his mother’s relatives and to find his uncle Laban. Although he was blessed, he found himself in a state of flight, illustrating that one can possess blessings yet still be compelled to navigate through perilous circumstances.
As Jacob embarked on this journey, it became evident that being in the right place at the right time was crucial for the blessing to manifest effectively in his life. Despite the turmoil, God remained with Jacob, following him wherever he went, affirming that the presence of divine favor accompanies those who carry blessings. This principle underscores the importance of focusing on the blessing itself, as it signifies empowerment and prosperity bestowed by God. It is essential to recognize that when one is blessed, divine support is ever-present, regardless of the challenges faced. Therefore, it is vital to concentrate on the blessing and refrain from aimless pursuits or struggles, as true fulfillment lies in embracing the empowerment that comes from being blessed.
The assurance of divine blessing is akin to the restrictions placed on individuals under house arrest or those on parole in developed nations, where monitoring devices are affixed to their limbs. This metaphor illustrates how the blessing of God actively follows and identifies a person, regardless of their location. When one is blessed, the presence of God accompanies them, much like a constant guardian. It is imperative for believers to prioritize the understanding and pursuit of this blessing above all else. Many may find themselves struggling to secure employment or achieve their goals because their focus is misdirected towards others rather than the divine blessing that is meant to guide and uplift them.
A truly blessed individual cannot remain without opportunities, as the essence of blessing inherently attracts success and prosperity.
Moreover, it is crucial to approach the scriptures not merely as historical narratives but as profound lessons on the workings of God’s kingdom. Jesus often conveyed the principles of the kingdom through parables, urging us to allow these teachings to reshape our understanding. The story of Abraham serves as a pivotal example of how God operates, encouraging us to adopt a mindset that recognizes our inherent potential. Regardless of the roles we assume—be it a homemaker, an aspiring entrepreneur, or a professional—each individual is fundamentally designed to be enterprising, ambitious, and committed to delivering value. The scriptures consistently reveal that without a spirit of enterprise, one may struggle to fully embrace and manifest the blessings intended for them, ultimately hindering their destiny from unfolding.
The assurance of divine blessing is akin to the restrictions placed on individuals under house arrest or those on parole in developed nations, where monitoring devices are affixed to their limbs. This metaphor illustrates how the blessing of God actively follows and identifies a person, regardless of their location. When one is blessed, the presence of God accompanies them, much like a constant guardian. It is imperative for believers to prioritize the understanding and pursuit of this blessing above all else. Many may find themselves struggling to secure employment or achieve their goals because their focus is misdirected towards others rather than the divine blessing that is meant to guide and uplift them. A truly blessed individual cannot remain without opportunities, as the essence of blessing inherently attracts success and prosperity.
Moreover, it is crucial to approach the scriptures not merely as historical narratives but as profound lessons on the workings of God’s kingdom. Jesus often conveyed the principles of the kingdom through parables, urging us to allow these teachings to reshape our understanding. The story of Abraham serves as a pivotal example of how God operates, encouraging us to adopt a mindset that recognizes our inherent potential. Regardless of the roles we assume—be it a homemaker, an aspiring entrepreneur, or a professional—each individual is fundamentally designed to be enterprising, ambitious, and committed to delivering value. The scriptures consistently reveal that without a spirit of enterprise, one may struggle to fully embrace and manifest the blessings intended for them, ultimately hindering their destiny from unfolding.