Redeeming the Entrepreneur Ego

Entrepreneurs like to take all the credit for success. We like to stand and point out, “Hey, I built that using my own intelligence and effort.” But do we take the time to give God credit, too? If we truly worship an all-powerful God, then He likely had much more to do with our success than we know.

This Bible reading plan showcases the thoughts of many entrepreneurs who have made it to the top. Some of them praised God for his provision. Others didn’t, but realized their mistake. Don’t let an inflated ego warp your perspective. Worldly success and accolades fade, but if we are faithful, God will welcome us into heaven and say, “Well done my good and faithful servant.”

Day 1: Growing My Faith, Not My Platform

These days, curating a platform is a top priority for many entrepreneurs. It’s how you connect with potential customers and grow your brand. But God doesn’t ask us to grow our like count. He calls us to grow in faith.

Sometimes that means speaking the truth and doing things that aren’t trendy at the moment. This doesn’t mean go out and be confrontational. Sometimes it just means putting aside your own image, stepping out of the spotlight, or letting the truth speak for itself. Do God’s will despite what your followers or customers may think.

Bible reading from Jeremiah.

Day 2: God Works According to His Timeline

Does your ego prompt you to work extra hours and take on extra worry? Many entrepreneurs desire to maintain a certain standard of living and rank on the podium of the “business olympics.” We innately desire to achieve and accomplish, but don’t let that put you at odds with God’s timeline.

Brett Hagler is the CEO and Co-Founder of New Story, Y Combinator alum, Praxis fellow, author, cancer survivor, and a 2016 Forbes 30 Under 30 Entrepreneur. Over his many years of entrepreneurship, he’s realized that deep intimacy with Jesus is the foundation to success. Establish that relationship and then – if He wants you to, and if it's in His will – make an impact where He has placed you. 

Bible reading from Psalms.

Day 3: We’re Called to Steward, Not Succeed

Success is a reward, not a calling. And even as a reward, it’s not central to the Christian faith. Rather, we’re called to steward obediently. Success might happen or it might not. If you read through the Bible, few people actually saw great success in their lifetimes. Moses never saw the promised land. Isaiah didn’t see the messiah about whom he prophesied. 

In this section of the Bible reading plan, we see that walking with God is more important about advancing ourselves. God will provide for things that our outside your control. You don’t need to fixate on manifesting your own success.

Bible reading from 1 John.

Day 4: Seeing the Gifts God Has Given Us

The more successful we become, the more we begin to think that we have control over everything. Our egos can blind us to reality. We think that we’re exceptional and that we’re better at business than other people. Sure, others might need to trust God, but we’re different.

Wrong. Instead, the more success we achieve, the more we should see God’s hand working. God is the giver of all good gifts, so don’t allow worldly blessings to cloud your thinking.

Bible reading from 1 Peter.

Day 5: God Has to Show Up

Matt Bird is an international speaker, author and broadcaster. He has spoken in 30 countries to more than a million people, has written 11 books and writes for The Times newspaper. In this daily devotional, he asks us to reflect on our walks with God. Are we truly trusting everything to God? With our whole heart? Do we acknowledge him in all our ways?

Bible reading from Proverbs.