The Importance of Financial Independence

Things are getting tougher out here for Christians – and particularly for Christian men. An increasingly secularized world presents and increasingly hostile face towards our attitudes and believes. Society, year by year, is becoming not only more secularized, but more aggressively secularized. It’s not enough that differing views or ideologies be considered or acknowledged in the public square, they must sweep everyone and every institution under their influence.

If you’re a Christian man with a pulse and even a moderate amount of awareness, this should be concerning for you. Major corporations and even smaller employers are slowly but surely tightening the noose around Christian values in the workplace and in the marketplace. Most Christians are content, for the time being, to simply keep their beliefs under wraps, to “go along to get along”. There is some merit to this line of thinking, as we live in a pluralistic society and have become accustomed to accomodation of various beliefs and worldviews. The problem is, it is not sustainable. Sooner rather than later, it will become apparent that Christian men will not receive the same accomodation for their beliefs, and we will find ourselves pushed more and more to either conform to views that we do not find appropriate, or seek sanctions (economic or otherwise).

What is the answer to this dilemma? There are several, but a key strategy to be employed to offset this coming storm is self-employment/entrepreneurship. Many men, accustomed to working for someone else all their lives, have never seriously considered starting a business. They should. Christian men have much to offer the marketplace, including a strong work ethic, integrity, and deep concern for the well-being of others. Starting a business is no walk in the park, of course, and success is not guaranteed in any endeavor. However, the rudiments of any successful business are largely the same regardless of industry:

• Do your research: Be diligent about finding products or services that are in demand. Choose a line of business carefully and study, study, study to become an expert in your field.
• Insist on superior customer service: It’s part of your Christian DNA, don’t forget that.
• Work incredibly hard: Again, you learned this in the Bible first, just apply it to your chosen field or business.
• Take care of the nuts and bolts: Engage a competent attorney and CPA. Work with them to ensure that all required filings and licenses are completed, that accounting is taken care of, and that taxes are addressed.
• Remember your vision: Perhaps this, more than anything, will keep you motivated and moving on the inevitable hard days that come with any new business. You’re doing it for your family, for your ongoing ability to provide, to build wealth, to remain independent.

Starting and maintaining a successful business is certainly not easy, but it can be done, and for many Christian men it may become necessary in coming year. Plan wisely, do your homework, prepare to sacrifice, and work hard to serve others. It can be done, and it will be worth it.