In light of some recent business decisions I've had to make, I've been thinking. Does the end always justify the means when one's intentions are good? Is it acceptable (more appropriately, understandable) for a convicted felon to sell drugs to feed his family and pay for his mother's cancer treatment? Is it ok for a stripper to use her body to send her kids to private school? More specifically, should I deal in an industry that conflicts with some of my beliefs for the sake of growing my business?
I while doing some research to locate potential clients for my mobile marketing services I found that the adult entertainment industry fits the client profile perfectly. They have a very specific target audience, an extremely limited number of advertising venues and very large profit margins and advertising budgets. Now, in the not so distant past I used to patronize certain adult establishments however in my ever-changing quest to "get my life right" I have tried to stay away from them. But the entrepreneur in me would not let me pass up an opportunity that could quite possibly grow my business significantly. So, I gathered my sales materials (text messaging statistics, cell phone usage info etc...) and started making sales calls. I had a few pretty solid leads and some very promising sales presentations, then it happened. I was talking to a family member who had invested very heavily in my company, in fact his investments were a big part of the reason I was able to quit my 9 to 5 and work on my business full time. After listening to me talk about the niche I had been pursuing, he explained that as a Christian he could not consider himself being a good steward over what God had blessed him with if he supported a business that dealt in an industry that conflicted with his beliefs. I understood completely after all, they were my beliefs too. But the problem was the entrepreneur in me had (and still does at times) a problem with "leaving money on the table."
And that is what led to my dilemma. Do I compromise my beliefs, walk away from one of my biggest investors to date and pursue the business in this niche? Or do I stick to my "moral code" and look for business elsewhere? Well, I chose the latter and while I can say that things are look up and I've made a little more progress in my spiritual walk I still have not seen the revenue I think we would have seen working with the adult entertainment industry. I'd like to believe that's because we're being prepared to see even more prosperity than that because of our faithfulness. I'll keep you posted.
8 comments:
Your labor is not in vain. Keep governing your life based on what you believe in and watch what the Lord can do for you! I've seen it happen in my own life. Keep pressing forward! Nice post.
God's word commands us to not grow weary in well doing. I pray that you continue to seek God in your career venues. God is the one who is the giver of wealth & prosperity. God elevates & demotes. Continue to follow Christ and you will be given wisdom on how and where to conduct your business. Don't let your quest for business take you away from where God is taking you. The fact that you're even giving this serious thought shows that God is testing your character. And strength of character is a must have! Be blessed, Nate.
Keep the faith my brotha; you need not look far in Gods word to find those who were tested & remaind true & those who failed & fell to dissapointment. For encouragement read the stories of Joseph & Potiphars wife(Gen 39), David & Bathsheba(2-Samuel 11) and of course Solomon, who though as the wisest man that ever lived, still fell to the "distractions" of man's carnal side (I-Kings11)causing the very chosen people of God to be divided (the "Lost" Tribes of Isreal), never to be re-united until his return. A tragedy that I'm sure he would trade his riches for to turn around. Keep the faith, for He that is in you is greater than he that is in the world, & He will store up riches for you that are uncorruptable by man. cg
God's word will not come back void. Keep the faith for this is only a test. God is about to open a window of blessings because of your faithfulness. For what does it profit a man to gain the world but lose his Soul?(Matt 16:26; Mark 8:36) Continue to seek God!! I wish you all the best. JT
Now your the new Rev. Run.... Nice sentiment!
I must say you have a choice in your matter. Your are able to provide for your family at this time and your investor's interest should come first, seeing that he has helped you to get where you are.
I respect everyone telling you to believe in God and he will show you the way but it is bigger than that. Just look at your children and wonder how they will grow up seeing you and ask yourself if the money that you could have made is worth it. Achieving wealth is everyone's goal but having the respect and love of your family is irreplaceable and remember that every action has an equal and opposite reaction(i.e. it will come back to haunt you).
I'm much more distressed that you don't go to strip club any longer. Truely the end of an era.
I think your dilema is an interesting one. If dealing with the Adult industry is a smart business decission I say go for it because frankly, God doesnt give out personal loans. If you personally can not justify in your heart dealing with the strippers and the pimps then I say don't do it. Make the decision based on your God given brain, not based on guilt.
Interesting situation. You can always find ways to make a $, but piece of mind is priceless.
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