The Ministry of Business Owners

By Mickey Lufkin

Throughout the Word of God, there are convicting scriptures. “For all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God” (Romans 3:23) is such a scripture. Until we admit to our sin filled nature, there can be no hope for our regeneration.
Other scriptures that have universality among born again Christians include the following: “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. For whatever a man sows, that he will also reap” Galatians 6:7 “The fear of God is the beginning of understanding …” Proverbs 1:7 “Judge not lest ye be judged” Matthew 7:1 Two such convicting scriptures have governed the decisions that I have been making as a born again Christian for the past twenty years of my life. They have made me realize that I am a Christian – a follower of Christ – as a private, public, and businessperson.

The first scripture that convicted me towards a much bolder walk with our Lord is found in both Mark 8:38 and Luke 9:26. “For whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.” This scripture has made me realize that, no matter where I go or what I do, Christ, who lives in me, knows when I am ashamed or apologetic before anyone I may encounter. This is revealed in my chosen vocation and in my business. I was providentially led to my present business (The Master’s Music and Learning Center) when God spoke to my heart about the large population of runaways and abandoned youth in the Rogue Valley area. As a semi-retired schoolteacher and professional musician, I had begun to realize that God’s purpose for me was to use my gifts for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom. Since music has long been considered the “universal” language, my obedience to His calling led to a ministry of offering instruments and lessons to youth who were in need of a friend that would never “leave or abandon them.”

The Master’s Music and Learning Center is a part of a non-profit organization called Neglected Youth Outreach, Inc. (NYO) We have highly trained teachers who lovingly share their gifts with those who desire to learn to play an instrument or improve their singing. As donations and grants become available, youth from families living on low incomes will be given scholarships for lessons and discounts on instruments. All money received will go towards lessons, which will in turn pay the wages of our teachers.

The second scripture that empowered my present walk with Christ is one that can make every Christian tremble when they hear it. “Many will say to me on that day ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in your name, cast out demons in your name, and done many wonders in your name?’ Then I will declare to them ‘ I never knew you; depart from me you who practice lawlessness!’” Matthew 7:22-23

I was taught years ago that Christ desires us to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, and visit those in prison. Recently I was taught that the final judgment and reward would depend on sins of omission.

As Christian business owners, we are commanded to be servants to all. We who have surrendered our will to our Lord are now bondservants of Christ. We are to think of others before ourselves. In our business practices, we must maintain the highest level of honesty, integrity, and joy in our work. It is my opinion that each of us should “market” our love for the Lord, and boldly state “As for me and my house (business} we will serve the Lord.


Mickey Lufkin writes from the Rogue Valley, Oregon.