Fanning the Entrepreneurial Spirit

Excerpt from State of the Nation Debate contribution by Senator Deika Morrison on February 3. RESEARCH HAS established a linkage between rising growth rates and greater development in nations whose institutions, policies and culture promote entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship needs more focus - Morrison published: Friday | February 17, 2006 MORRISON

Michael Stern, has said that the Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Michael Stern, has said that the Government has been and would continue to implement initiatives and policies to drive the development of entrepreneurship in Jamaica. "Our mission is to create a nation of creative and innovative entrepreneurs, who can contribute more effectively to job and wealth creation," Saturday, March 07, 2009 Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Michael Stern (right)

The Dynamics of Entrepreneurship “Entrepreneurship is first and foremost a mindset. It covers an individual's motivation and capacity, independently or within an organization, to identify an opportunity and to pursue it in order to produce new value or economic success. It takes creativity or innovation to enter and compete in an existing market, to change or even to create a new market.”

The Dynamics of Entrepreneurship Why is entrepreneurship important? Entrepreneurship contributes to job creation and growth. It is increasingly new and small firms, rather than large ones, that are the major providers of new jobs. Countries exhibiting a greater increase in entrepreneurship rates tended to exhibit greater subsequent decreases in unemployment rates. – Cached, 28 Feb 2007

What do the Epistles say about entrepreneurship? “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men…. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Col 3:23-24

“Those who have been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.” Ephesians 4:28 (work to meet the needs of others)

“You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily work may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.” 1 Thessalonians 4:11

For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were among you, nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate.” “For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were among you, nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate.” 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9

Entrepreneurship for the common good Acts 20:34-35 You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" NIV

Entrepreneurship is first and foremost a mindset. It covers an individual's motivation and capacity, independently or within an organization, to identify an opportunity and to pursue it in order to produce new value or economic success. Remember!

So you can fan the entrepreneurial Spirit whether you’re employer or employee; individual or corporation; master or slave. Paul's instructions to masters and slaves are instructive.

Colossians 3: Slaves (employees) Col 3:22-25 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism. NIV

Obey your master Not just eyeservice but from the soul/heart Sincerity and reverence You are serving Christ! You will be rewarded Do not expect favouritism from a Christian master Colossians 3: Slaves (employees)

Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven. NIV Colossians 4:1 – Masters (employers)  Provide what is right and fair  Remember you have a Master in Heaven

Ephesians 6:5-8 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free. NIV

with respect, fear, sincerity of heart Just as you would obey Christ Doing the will of God from the heart Slaves or employees Treat your employer:

Ephesians 6:9 And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him. NIV Masters: Do the same thing! Do not threaten them You both have a common master who does not discriminate!

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men… It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Col 3:23-24 As you fan the entrepreneurial Spirit REMEMBER!

2 Tim 1:6 “…fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you…” “…fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you…”NIV