When the main business of business is His business.
The front is not an easy place. There are soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan and other trouble spots around the world who will not only be in harm’s way, but who are as far away as you can get on the planet from family and friends. Some of them are your brothers and sisters. In an unstable world, we should remember them.
There is another front in another war, the relentless battle for souls. We ought to remember those far from home for the cause of Christ. Some are single, and it can’t always be easy. Some are away from aging parents, and are missing them keenly. Missionaries’ kids wistfully recall faraway family times. Nor should we forget those “that are in bonds, as bound with them” (Heb. 13:3), brothers and sisters in China, North Korea, the Muslim world and elsewhere who, for the sake of the Name, are incarcerated freedom fighters. Our prayer for them (and their wives and families without any visible means of support) might well be borrowed from Asaph, “Let the sighing of the prisoner come before Thee; according to the greatness of Thy power preserve Thou those that are appointed to die” (Ps. 79:11).
When it comes to the soldiers for Christ whom we consider “at the front,” we may be quick to assume these to be the men who travel from place to place preaching the gospel. But I perceive that many working people in our communities often have more experience and wisdom in building rapport and finding effective channels of communication with the people who see their daily lives and hear their wise and timely witness day after day.
Many parts of North America are facing very challenging times economically. This is especially true for our Christian brothers and sisters who are seeking to “provide things honest in the sight of all men” (Rom. 12:17). They often find themselves pitted against unscrupulous competition that find shady ways to undermine the believers’ businesses. Not all of these servants of Christ in the workaday world, but certainly some of them, are definitely at the front in gospel witness.. Let me give you a case in point.
High in the mountains of West Virginia is the little town of Terra Alta. Hugging a hillside is J and J Choice, a used car store run by brother Barry Kirk. For years Barry has helped preachers to purchase dependable vehicles at fair prices. Uplook Ministries was able to acquire two trucks there, one for GNOM and one for C3. It’s good to find someone whose understanding of Christ’s Lordship controls his business practice. Barry’s reason for being in business is to “seek…first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” Many a customer (or staff member) has heard words whereby they might be saved at J and J.
This is true front line work, and, at the least, our Christian school teachers and public school students, tradesmen, sales people and business owners ought to be prayed for as they seek to shine in an increasingly dark world. Words of encouragement would also be very welcome at times like these. “Encourage one another daily” (Heb. 3:13).
We shouldn’t be going to people like Barry to get the lowest price possible. We should expect good service, fair prices, and honesty (plus some fellowship whatever the outcome of our business dealings). We should want to “do good…especially unto them who are of the household of faith” (Gal. 6:10). Supporting them is also supporting the troops at the front.