March 18, 2026

Business by the Book

Luke 2:49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?

Has it ever occurred to you that God is a businessman? He has a business. Jesus was a businessman, for He worked in His Father’s business. One overriding lesson to be learned from these two businessmen is to keep the main thing the main thing. Many businesses fail because they begin to major on a minor. The major thing in any business is the business. The service or the product must be the main focus of any business. The Lord Jesus did many great and wonderful works during His time on earth, but He was never sidetracked from the ultimate purpose of His Father’s business.

Over the next five devotions we are going to visit each verse in the New Testament that uses the word “business.”  This will give us insight into the minds of two of the greatest businessmen the world has ever known. All businesses are multi-faceted; they have many issues, challenges, priorities, and goals. But these all are to be focused and melded into the primary purpose of that business. This is usually the responsibility of the ultimate leader of the business. The owner, the CEO, or some other high ranking official is usually responsible for keeping the main purpose of the business the main purpose.

Like a captain of a great ship someone must be at the helm keeping their hand on the rudder of any business, making sure its navigation is true. Too often businesses begin to drift off course and fail to reach their destination. When the winds are contrary to any business, in order to overcome them, the navigational beacon must be bright and the captain must set the course.

They sailed they sailed, then spoke the mate

“This mad sea shows its teeth tonight

He curls its lip, he lies in wait

With lifted teeth as if to bite”

Brave Admiral say but one good word

What shall we do when hope is gone?

The words leapt like a leaping sword;

Sail on! Sail on! Sail on! and on!

Joaquin Miller

In your business, Sail on! Keep the main thing the main thing. Don’t be sidetracked by minor issues or transient causes; major on the major and the safe harbor of success will be found.

Dr. William Howe