As Kingdom Entrepreneurs, we must share the good news in and through our businesses. We don’t just provide spaces, goods, and services. Interacting with us should fulfill not only the physical needs of our customers and clients but also the spiritual needs of believers and unbelievers. Our businesses are testimonies to God’s goodness and mercy and a way to bring the love and messages of Christ to all. We are Matthew 5:14 in the most real way. That all sounds wonderful, but how do we make it happen? Sacred spaces in business refer to creating environments where God’s presence is acknowledged, biblical values are upheld, and employees and customers experience a sense of purpose, peace, and ethical integrity. Here are seven scripture-based ways to turn your business into a sacred space.
1. “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” — Proverbs 16:3
As business owners, we sometimes make the mistake of planning and including God on the back end of our plans. He doesn’t have to honor what He wasn’t included in to begin with. It is good to take the time to dream and plan with God. Invite Him into the space as you plan your physical or online presence. For a physical location, consider decorations or what music you should play. If you have televisions, what movies/shows will you allow to fill the airways? What type of setup highlights the peace of God as customers and workers move through your environment?
For virtual businesses, do you pray on calls with your clients before you start and/or when you end? Do you have worship music playing as people enter the call or have scripture displayed as your welcome message?
What considerations do you need to make to ensure that the fruit of the spirit is involved in every facet of your customer experience, employee experience, and your own experience?
2. “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” — Colossians 3:23
Work is a form of worship when done with integrity and a heart devoted to God. Our businesses present the unique opportunity of being able to serve God and others at the same time. Every time your doors open, you should act as if you are welcoming the Lord! No one ever declared or promised that starting or maintaining a business would be easy or “lightwork,” as they say. As we build in the physical sense, we must also build in the spiritual sense. This means we must develop prayer, fasting, and consecration times to hear God for His direction. We also need time to study and reflect as we hide the word of God in our hearts.
What passages of scripture are you using to build the foundation of your business? As you revisit planning from #1, find scriptures that align with biblical principles you want to be displayed in your business at all times.
3. “A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight.” — Proverbs 11:1
If any business should be built on honesty, transparency, and fairness, it should be those of Kingdom entrepreneurs. We understand that ethical decision-making at all levels, fair wages, and just business practices reflect God’s standards. By creating spaces that commit to these values, we create spaces that honor God and foster trust between all parties involved. Customers can expect fair and competitive pricing and employees can expect to be paid for their hire.
Knowing that everyone who patronizes or becomes employed by our businesses may not have a relationship with Christ, what characteristics would you like your employees to possess that will encourage the atmosphere you are cultivating? Think about whether these characteristics are things that the candidate should have upon interviewing or training you will provide as part of their onboarding process.
4. “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” — Hebrews 13:2
Who’s coming in the door and how do you want them to feel? As you build out your sacred space, consider cultivating hospitality with an environment that is warm and welcoming to employees, clients, customers, and anyone who ventures through your doors (physical or virtual). This becomes even more important when your business is not necessarily centered around obtaining Christian clients in spaces such as stores, salons, etc. You want your environment to be full of warmth that reflects God’s heart towards His people. This doesn’t have to be a grandiose display.
For example, when you walk into a salon or spa, the vibe is usually very “zen” and calming. It’s supposed to be a place of relaxation. You may see a symbol of what the proprietors find tranquil and everyone speaks in low, relaxing tones. Conversely, when you go to a sporting event, those selling drinks and snacks are usually very upbeat and jovial, enhancing the mood and experience of being at the game. When someone comes into contact with you and your establishment, what do they feel? Do you have hours that honor spending time with God? Does the music you’re playing or the videos shown say you believe in Christ? What about your demeanor and interactions? Considering these things will allow you to grow your Sacred Space.
5. “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” — Proverbs 11:25
Why are you in business? Is it to only make money? Who are you serving? Have you considered places or people you can bless as you are blessed? John 13:34-35 reminds us, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Sacred business spaces are generous, using resources to uplift employees, serve communities, and invest in causes that align with Kingdom principles. We are marketplace ministers. Coming into our establishments or working with us may be the only light of Jesus that some see.
Additionally, seek God about where to sew. Has He called you to be a Kingdom financier where you support others? Has He called for you to sew into the ministry efforts of a particular place of worship? Has He given you the idea for a non-profit organization? More practically, do you have a clear way to track your business finances? Have you taken the time to create a budget and financial plan? Do you evaluate the data provided and make adjustments accordingly? These are also measures of stewardship that are often overlooked.
6. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” — Matthew 5:14
In today’s society, there are always pushes to do it for “the culture,” or show off your “Black Girl Magic.” That’s fine, but are you sharing the message of Christ with that same enthusiasm? Whether your business is specifically for Christian audiences or the general public, do you proudly carry the banner of Christ? Is your light showing?
As Kingdom Entrepreneurs, we sometimes tend to be the best-kept secrets. The people who know about our businesses are those in close relationships with us, some level social media strangers, or those we are in community with. When it comes time to seek opportunities to put our businesses in different places and spaces, we dial down under the guise of being humble and showing humility. But we’re not. That humility is false. You’re choosing only to shine the light where you want it to shine. That’s not what we’re called to do. “Go ye therefore into the world …” Your business is a vehicle to take you places you may have never dreamed of going, but you must stop putting on the breaks. Share the light of the world. Be the city that can’t be hidden.
7. It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to His loved ones. – Psalm 127:2
Tired visionaries don’t see well. We have to have a day of rest. It’s necessary and biblical. What good would it be to create the space, do all the planning, and then be too tired to execute? We often get caught up in the grind. Having and creating a culture of a “Sabbath” allows us time to honor God and spend time with Him as we plan for the weeks to come. We must take a moment to enjoy and be grateful for what we have.
Also, have times that foster family growth and togetherness. Are there times when you and your staff come together for game night, birthdays, and other celebrations? In sacred spaces, we spend time with God and each other. We do not forsake the assembly of the brethren. These downtimes allow us to get to know who labors among us. For us owners, it keeps us in touch with who works with and for us. Think about those CEO shows where the top of the company has no idea what’s going on in the lives of their employees, only to find out some of them are facing extreme situations, yet they show up daily. A sacred workplace recognizes the importance of balance, rest, and mental and spiritual well-being. Businesses prioritizing employee well-being, healthy work-life balance, and moments of spiritual refreshment create an atmosphere where people can thrive holistically.
Sacred spaces in business are about more than just success—they are about impact, ethics, and spiritual transformation. By embracing biblical principles, companies can create environments where employees feel valued, customers experience integrity, and God’s presence is welcomed.
