Stay in the game. When you do fail, do not give up.

ADAGE

Be Like Job

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RESPONSE

Stay in the game. When you do fail, do not give up. You learn 10x more from a failure than you do from a success. Most first-time entrepreneurs when confronted with failure retreat to the perceived safety of large corporations, and never get the chance to apply their hard-earned wisdom. Nine out of ten new businesses fail not because of bad ideas, but because of entrepreneurs taking themselves out of the game. As an entrepreneur, you need to be prepared for collateral damage. There is a high probability that before you build a successful business your credit will be dinged, you will have interesting conversations with the IRS, and you will become personally acquainted with your banker. There are rarely immaculate conceptions. You have to have the courage to stay in the game. Failure is the entrepreneurial badge of courage. The Bible follows the theme of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration, which is a theme that resonates strongly with Christian business leaders. Failure is not final. Resistance is what brings strength. If you know God’s will, blessed are you for doing it. Keep the faith. Even Jesus appeared to fail on the cross, which was the beginning of victory.

SCRIPTURE

Romans 5:3-4 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

QUESTIONS

  1. How do the Scripture(s) apply to the business adage?

  2. Do you pray with your key managers over major business decisions? If not, why not?

  3. Your first business failed. You’re considering starting a new business but your wife is adamantly against it. What do you do?

  4. As a Christian, would you fight differently to save a failing enterprise than a non-Christian fighting to save theirs?

  5. Your business is failing. Your lawyers are advising you to take several actions that make you uncomfortable as a Christian. After praying, you do not take their advice but your path leads into potential bankruptcy. How might your employees help avoid this failure?

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Adages Worksheet 47
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