Last Lecture

In the Bible, there is a story that is known as the Widow’s Mite. Though you may be curious as to why I would include something relating to religion in my “last lecture” regarding entrepreneurship, I felt that this story really demonstrates what it takes to be a good entrepreneur.

In Mark 12:41-44 it reads, “And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.

"And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.

"And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:

"For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.”

One thing that I have learned throughout the course of this class is that being an entrepreneur requires that one have endurance. But, if we want to see success in our business creations, we must do as the Widow did and give our all to what matters most. You may be thinking that we give our all to our business, but what I suggest is rather to give your all to God.

If we make our priorities be that which matters most, the rest will fall into place as God wills. This is not to say that you don’t try. The widow gave everything she had to God, and that was much more than just two mites. She gave God her faith and trust as well, and went on living after making that great sacrifice.

When things get tough in our business ventures, we must persevere in faith. If things fall through the cracks, take those opportunities to change your business and gain a new perspective on things. Don’t let a few bumps in the road get you down.

If you want to be a successful entrepreneur, you must have passion for what you do. You also need to get your head out of the clouds. There are many resources available to new business owners. If you don’t take advantage of those resources, you are as the rich men in the story previously shared. You give a generous donation, but that donation isn’t all that you have.

Success isn’t necessarily a matter of what you do or who you hire. It’s a matter of how you plan on running your business, and how much time and effort you are willing to give to that business, and the employees that help you run your business.

So, will you give your all to God?