Lydia
From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. And we stayed there several days.
On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us.
After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house, where they met with the brothers and sisters and encouraged them. Then they left (Acts 16:12-15, 40).
“Lord give me the business (Kingdom) mindset of Lydia”
1. Lydia is a great example of how a godly business woman should strive to be. She did not let her business and wealth overshadow her relationship with God. Excepting Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior gave her a new perspective and focus on her daily activities. Her life as a businesswoman blossomed into evangelism. She accepted Christ and so did her whole family. Lydia helped to establish the first church of Philippi and she aided the ministry of Paul and Silas. God used Lydia and her business for something bigger than her-The Kingdom-and because she chose to honor and serve God, her works lasted long after her (legacy). What legacy are you working towards through the business/ministry God has given you?
2. Your business is a tool given to you to grow the Kingdom of God. We have to grow past seeing “a customer” to seeing “an opportunity” to witness for Christ. How comfortable are you with ministering and witnessing to others? Any hindrances?
3. As believers in the body of Christ, we should never go into business to make money, rather, we should approach business as an opportunity to use the resources that God blesses us with to expand our territory and influence for the Kingdom’s sake. What are your business goals (growth) for this new year, and how do they connect with your Kingdom purpose?
4. Many of us social network to meet others and grow our business. I always pray to the Lord about where I should go and who I should connect with-I call them Kingdom connections. These types of relationships mirror the principles of giving and receiving, sowing, and reaping. Reflect on the Kingdom connections you have made so far. What is your and/or their purpose in your life other than business?
5. Lydia was a seller of purple, purple=royalty. Lydia probably sold to people in high places which is an area of influence. How are you using the influence that God gave you?
About the Author
Dr. Shana Wise is an ordained Pastor and CEO of Wise Choice Ministries (est. 2016). She is the founder of The Well Christian Women’s Network formally known as Christian Women Preachers United. Dr. Wise is the author of women’s devotional, Acts of Intercession, and The Impact of Your Election (available on Amazon). She received a doctor of divinity degree in 2019 from St. Thomas Christian University. Her passion is to teach and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, equip others to apply the Word to their lives, and demonstrate the Word through the power of the Holy Spirit. She is a televangelist that appears on social media outlets and television. Shana is married to Ron Wise and is the mother of four children.
