Are you like I used to be? Struggling with feeling victimized financially? If so, there are a couple mindsets that are imperative for you to shift to if you want to be able to grow a non-profit or business profitably. Here are a couple of things that has helped me over the years segway out of a victimization mentality that saturated my finances, (and I believe went hand in hand with a spirit of Mammon), into the kind of financial increase that brings provision for your family and overflow to serve others with.

Notice I did not say financial wealth that GOD makes his personal priority for you to have or you are not a successful Christian. The only thing that he prioritizes for you on a day-to-day basis after you receive Christ is death to your flesh and more intimacy with HIM. (and if you are blessed you will be exposed to persecution, rejection and tribulations for his namesake). Here in America we have a hard time fitting that part in theologically.

First, God desires you to have confidence and serve others with your unique identity, and yes, even get paid well-doing it. Second, It is not a sin to make a profit. It is a sin for you to worship your ability to build wealth (which is a grace from God) and mesh your identity in Christ into accumulating status, power and worldly goods.

Here are a couple of thoughts for you to ponder as a Christian business or a ministry leader. Jesus was a carpenter and most likely his dad died between the age of 12 and the beginning of his ministry. He and his brothers had to support the family through their business.Think about it, how do you envision Jesus running his business? Was he building quality crafted furniture and getting paid half of what it was worth, because he couldn’t figure out his margin and set good boundaries?

Did he not have enough for groceries or to pay the bills because his business couldn’t meet their needs?(and maybe even a little extra for Mary to bake cakes for the neighbors and to buy his Mom a new dress now and then). Was his business in the red or profitable? We don’t know but I do know this, what you believe about how Jesus would run his business will influence how you run yours. He transitioned from business to a non for profit ministry, cared for himself and 12 member staff and still made a profit.

I am not getting into whether he was rich and for that matter who cares, but the fact remained there was a treasurer for the money that was left over(Judas was dipping into it) so it was growing financially. Nor was he giving every penny he made away (for the ministry). I bring up these points because many of my clients are ministry leaders and passionate for Christ small business owners. They struggle just like I used too with this sabotage. I will call it the “willing financial victim mentality”.

I did not understand kingdom principles concerning money and so in order to not have to take ownership I just gave everything I made away or piddled it away rather than invest it and grow it properly. I am still not where I want to be but thrilled with where I am going. Doing what I am passionate doing, being a conduit for the power of God and making a profit so I can provide for my family AND bless others with. I believe my Father would be pleased with that also:)