We are in the process of setting up a more usable space for a shared office. The benefit of this is that we get to bounce ideas around, as well as being able to look up, and see a familiar face looking back. In my case, it is a face I have seen for over 40 years, and it is still looking very good. Hopefully, Jack feels the same about me because I will be in that new space daily!
So, I will have this awesome space, but I know me, which means I won’t stay in it all the time.
There are few among us who are not aware of the people working from their devices, and carrying on business in public places, that at one time was only done in professional offices. However, that has all changed, and we get to witness transactions on a daily basis being done very causally, and openly. In fact, many treat the marketplace spaces as if they are alone behind four walls, often forgetting that others are hearing their conversations.
For those of us who are called to the marketplace on a daily basis, it means that we get to impact more people whenever we are out and about. However, we know that we are not the only ones that are making an impact. These very people who are conducting their business in front of all are influencing others as well.
Are you familiar with the term trendsetter? Usually, it is used in relation to fashion forward individuals who don’t follow the norm, and who are not intimated by what the majority are doing.
Another side of being a trendsetter is someone who sets the pace, doesn’t follow another person’s lead, but is confident enough to step out of the crowd. Just incase you are curious, the term trendsetter has been around since 1960, which lines up with what we have heard before in the Book of Ecclesiastes, “There is no new thing under the sun.”
I know that there is a personal reminder that I need each time I leave the confines of my home, and personal office space. I need to remind myself that as I enter the marketplace to do business, I should be influencing others for good.
If I am being successful, then the people that I meet day in and day out should begin to look different. Not necessarily in the way they dress, although there are most likely some of us who are bringing accountability into that place with how we present ourselves, but more in the way we demonstrate the very best business model.
The model we are talking about here is one of honor. One where we honor ourselves and the God we serve by the very way we behave, the words that we speak, and yes, ultimately in the way we clothe ourselves.
Luke 19: 13 ESV Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, “Engage in business until I come.”
Matthew 6:33 CSB “ But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.”