Dr. Tan Tek Seng

DAILY REFLECTION

7 Jan 2026

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”
James 1:12

Christian business owners occupy a unique vocational space where faith and marketplace realities intersect. They are often required to uphold biblical values while navigating competition, economic volatility, and rapid societal change. This tension is not accidental but formative.

Periods of financial strain, ethical dilemmas, or opposition invite Christian entrepreneurs into deeper reliance on God rather than self-sufficiency. These challenges function not merely as obstacles to overcome but as refining instruments through which God shapes character, clarifies calling, and deepens spiritual maturity. As gold is purified through fire, so leaders are formed through trials—learning patience, discernment, and steadfast faithfulness.

Such theological assurance reshapes the way Christian leaders engage adversity. Instead of resorting to compromise, fear, or expedient shortcuts, they are called to embody integrity, courage, and hope. Their vision must be anchored not in immediate profit or worldly measures of success, but in eternal principles that honor God and serve the common good. In this sense, the marketplace becomes a context for discipleship, and business leadership a testimony of stewardship and witness.

Ultimately, Christian entrepreneurship must be viewed through an eschatological lens. Faithfulness precedes fruitfulness, and obedience often comes before visible breakthrough. God sees and honors every act of integrity, even when outcomes are delayed. With patient trust in God’s promises, Christian business leaders can engage the complexities of the modern economy with confidence, building enterprises that reflect Kingdom values and bear lasting spiritual and societal impact.

James 1:12 affirms that perseverance rooted in faith is never in vain, for what God has spoken will come to fulfillment at the appointed time. Even when circumstances appear unstable, God’s promises remain firm and trustworthy.

“Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after the other.”– Walter Elliot.