How can entrepreneurs enjoy what we do?

The author of Ecclesiastes begins by asking an important question that entrepreneurs should consider. “What profit do people get from all the effort which they expend on the earth?” (Ecc. 1:3). Life is hard for everyone, and the author of Ecclesiastes (Solomon) recognizes this most tacit truth. No matter where you stand in your relationship with Jesus (and by that I mean whether you believe in him or not) the human experience is met with some very daunting challenges. This truth does not change once you place your faith in Jesus or once you become an entrepreneur. The truth is, choosing to follow Christ adds to the challenges you will face in this world (Lk. 14:25-33). Also, choosing to be an entrepreneur adds to the challenges you will face in this life. I believe many have ‘left the faith’ so to speak, because they have not ‘counted the cost’ of following Jesus. Perhaps, that is one of the main reasons why I have failed in entrepreneurship in the past. I did not properly consider the cost. While one of the benefits of following Jesus is the wisdom and knowledge he graciously gives us, growing in that wisdom and knowledge comes with great frustration and heartache (Ecc. 1:18). If you are an entrepreneur you should recognize how true these statements by Solomon are. An entrepreneur knows how important it is to count the cost before making a business decision. As entrepreneurs gain more experience, we recognize opportunities in the marketplace that others may not necessarily see. And, as we grow in the knowledge and wisdom of our subsequent marketplaces, we also know that each new opportunity will always be met with a new set of challenges, more pain, more anxiety… more frustration (Ecc. 2:22-23). So why do we do it? Solomon came to this conclusion: “There is nothing better for people than to eat and drink and find enjoyment in their work. I also perceived that this ability to find enjoyment comes from God” (Ecc. 2:24). The truth of the matter is, apart from God, no human can experience true joy in their work (Ecc. 2:25). Do you enjoy your work? If I am being honest, I find myself not enjoying what I am doing often… but I want to. I believe God wants you too as well. If you are reading this and can relate, the obvious question becomes: “How can I enjoy my work?” Solomon concludes chapter two of Ecclesiastes by giving us this advice: “To the one who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge, AND JOY… but to the sinner, he gives the task of amassing wealth—only to give it to the one who pleases God. This task of the wicked is futile—like chasing the wind!” (Ecc. 2:26). I can tell you this. Chris and I truly desire to please God. Maybe you don’t believe in God… but if God is real, wouldn’t you want to please him if it was a possibility? I believe being an entrepreneur is a worthy endeavor in an attempt to please God.

When Chris and I sat down to discuss the goals we wanted to achieve with the SIPPI podcast, we listed several different things. But answering the profound question, “How can we teach people to enjoy their work and please God?” were not some of those things. At least not explicitly. But, I do believe what we are attempting to do is pleasing to God. I pray that we don’t lose our focus in this. I also do not believe Chris and I are “chasing the wind” with this project. As I sit here and muse with Solomon, I believe that essentially what Chris and I are trying to achieve with this podcast is this…  to please God by showing others how we can enjoy our work. There has to be a better way. I believe that way is through community. Chris and I want you in this community whether you believe in God or not. Perhaps he may reveal himself to you along the way. God only knows. I don’t want to attempt to fully speak for Chris concerning these matters. But, what I can tell you is this: we both really enjoy doing this work for you. We really want it to bear fruit in all our lives. Three months into this project, we are encouraged to see these blossoms starting to bud. With that said, Chris and I are still not satisfied. Blossoms are pretty… until they are not. We need some fertilizer. What I mean by that is, we need your support. We need to hear from you. We need you to talk with others about what we are attempting to accomplish with this show. Every piece of feedback we get along the way will provide the fertilizer needed to tailor a show that can bear fruit in all of our lives. While positive feedback can be fertilizer in that it is encouraging, we also need suggestions on how we can be better. Chris and I are seriously heartfelt about this. One thing that this show has taught us is how important our community is. This entrepreneurial journey does not have to be so lonely. We need to continue to build a community of people that are in the same struggle. We need to continue to find a better way. This is also why we pray for you at the end of each episode. I do not pray to God to check some sort of religious box. I do it because it matters. I do it because I believe there is power in it. My God listens to prayers. So, I close with this. It doesn’t really matter if you are a high net worth individual or you got $11.42 in your bank account. You are highly valuable to God and to us. We need to continue to grow by sharing in one another’s wisdom and knowledge. Just like Solomon has shared with us.

Be blessed,

-Caleb