Being involved in Just Business Roundtable events has challenged me in more ways than I’m capable of listing in this short devotion. But one overall understanding has come through: Every decision we make in operating our businesses – how we interact with a guest, what we include in our HR manual, how we maintain our facilities, how our profits are distributed, what we know of our employees’ families – can attest to our love for Jesus and our commitment to follow Him.So this verse struck me on a number of levels: “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…” (I Pet 3:15, NIV).

First, the verb “revere” is in a tense in the Greek that means it’s an ongoing, minute-by-minute command; not a one-time action but a constant occurrence. So it would be appropriate to stop reading this moment, open your heart to Him and make Him the center and goal of your universe.

Then, what hit me hard is that Paul expects that people will wonder why we have a hope. Doesn’t that seem to imply we not only have a unique confidence, expectation, optimism and courage, but that it is apparent to others? If I haven’t had, lately, someone in my circle of influence ask me why I have so much hope, then it’s time to stop and reverence Christ as Lord again!

And finally, Paul asks us to be prepared with a good reason (GK: apologia; defense) for the hope people see in us. Today would be a good day to get our “elevator speech” ready concerning why we live the way we do. Why we’re different. Why we care. Why we’re generous or compassionate or attentive or well-organized or enthusiastic or gentle or visionary. Season our reason with “gentleness and respect,” and we’re ready, dear saints of the Living God in the business world, to live our higher calling!

~Dean Orrico, Director, Just Business Roundtable