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The graphite shade also brings a
demure elegance to the room.
— Gaby Keiderling, harpersbazaar.com
The Power of Demureness and Mindfulness in Business
Unless you have been living under a rock lately, you would’ve seen the explosiveness and popularity of the word ‘demure’. Especially, if you are a frequent user of TikTok social media platform. Definitely not a new word but now trending from a video made viral by TikToker Jools Lebron.
Demure: reserved, modest, and shy (typically used of a woman). e.g. “a demure young lady”
(of clothing) giving a modest appearance.”a demure knee-length skirt”
Mindful: conscious or aware of something.
“I arrived home for the summer, ever mindful of my obligations to my parents”
Now as it relates to Christian context, we are encouraged to be more of reserved and modest character and conduct.
Philippians 4:5 (Living Bible) – “Let everyone see that you are unselfish and considerate in all you do. Remember that the Lord is coming soon.”
Colossians 3:12 (KJV)–“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;”
Mindfulness – Colossians 3:1-2 (GNT)
“You have been raised to life with Christ, so set your hearts on the things that are in heaven, where Christ sits on his throne at the right side of God. Keep your minds fixed on things there, not on things here on earth.”
Your mind itself is loaded with potential to make a great impact but if you don’t guard it and utilize it well, it can cause great harm and damage.
We are encouraged to be mindful of heavenly things because none of us are here forever. There is a hereafter that you must prepare for. Knowing that, you have a limited time to make your impact while here on earth.
So, you are also expected to take these things into the market place as a Christian entrepreneur or business owner. Through these actions it would show out in your relationships with your customers, clients, employees, partners and the likes.
The key is, as you aim daily for better spiritual growth and personal development it will eventually flow into your business practices.
Understanding Demureness as a Christian Virtue
Now let’s explore, “but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.” – 1 Peter 3:4 (KJV).
It is very important to know the things of value that God has put in your possession. Another one of those things, is a gentle and quiet spirit.
In a noisy world where people are harsh, unkind, uncaring, inconsiderate, you better believe you will be a bright light of hope when you have this activated in your life and business.
In modern culture, demureness can often be misunderstood as weakness or people view you as a pushover. Because you are extra, I know you look deeper than the normal person.
Not every attack against you deserves a response to haters, evil doers and the likes. Sometimes your lack of response to distractions shows your inner strength, beauty, proper conduct and character.
And let me tell, if you ever had the feeling of wanting or itching to respond when you didn’t, I feel you. Praise God, for keeping you and he got all the glory.
Ok, let’s say as a Christian entrepreneur, your faced with a challenging business decision – That’s whether to pursue a potential partnership with a company that promises greater financial profits, but operates against certain values you believe in.
Instead of making an impulsive decision focusing on pure profits, as a Christian entrepreneur, you practice demureness by focus on spending time in prayer to seek God’s guidance and meditating on biblical principles.
Through this approach, you practice patience, humility and wise decision making that would help you maintain your integrity and honor God. This helps you as an entrepreneur and business owner to stay in line with your Christian beliefs. This could only help you build trust and prepare you for long term business success.
You can also be challenged in a busy demanding workplace where an employee makes a mistake affecting a key project. You can practice demureness by approaching the situation in a calm and understanding manner vs a harsh and judgmental attitude.
Throughout this you are also offering guidance, support and encouragement to resolve the matter. Yes they did wrong, but they can still feel valued and motivated to do better. As this approach can still end up strengthening relationships, the work environment and even your leadership skills.
The Role of Mindfulness in Christian Life
Mindfulness: the quality or state of being conscious or aware of something.
What state of mind are you in? Are you present or absent?
With all the things that’s happening today, to be absent minded could cost you big time. The main thing could be your own life, as well as progress, growth and profit in your business.
Let’s continue on…
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” – Romans 12:2 (KJV)
Whether you’re familiar with this or not, we are not to copy or follow the standards and culture of the world. You must allow God to transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.
If your mind needs to be renewed it means it was not fit to function on God’s plan in the state it was in. God’s thoughts are not your thoughts, so definitely you need to come up higher.
Now, does God want good success for your life and business? You better believe that’s big Yessss! That doesn’t mean, you should have your mind bogged down and overwhelmed with trying to find ways to achieve success or profit.
Much of your aim is to be mindful and stay in connection with God allowing him to direct your steps each day and week. Remember your business is also your ministry, therefore you have lives to impact.
So how do you incorporate mindfulness into your business routines? Praying before you open your store or business, praying in meetings, pausing and reflecting before final decisions, practicing gratitude, taking time to listen and allowing others to express their point of view and feelings.
Mindfulness can help you come out with improved focus, make better decisions, reduce stressful situations, minimize loss time and increase productivity.
Overcoming Challenges and Staying Committed
No entrepreneur is without their share of challenges. You will have challenges in your life and business. Sometimes they’re happening all at once, and one right after the other.
“… in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33 (NIV).
In your efforts to cultivate a demure and mindful spirit, you will face pressures from society, business stress, challenges from satisfying customers or clients, family demands. The above scripture is your reminder and encouragement that through it all you can have peace in Christ.
The really committed are determined to stay the course, guess what? That’s you. See it not as a quick sprint to the finish but a long term goal.
A goal that’s filled with a regular prayer life, scripture study, personal coaching, service and ministry.
Throughout your journey there are levels of trusting God and his plan as you persevere during your spiritual growth and personal development process.
The Long-term Impact of a Demure and Mindful Spirit
Spiritual Rewards:
Deeper faith
Stronger relationships
Inner peace
Business Rewards:
Ethical business
Sustainable business
God-honoring business practices
I urge you to reflect on your current practices. Make a commitment to start and continue integrating demureness and mindfulness into your personal and business life.
Integrating Demureness and Mindfulness for Spiritual and Business Growth
You must aim to have a Christ-centered approach to business. Doing it your way and from your own strength pushes him out the picture.
When you see yourself traveling down that road, you’re looking to build an empire unto yourself. Ain’t no God in that!
Regardless of where you are at this time, I encourage you to set higher spiritual goals, and never stop at personal development.
What’s your thoughts on all this? Feel free to share in the comments.
See you again soon.
Take care until………and God Bless ya
Need more help to cultivate your faith, spiritual growth and personal development? Make sure Download Free Christian Entrepreneurs & Business Owners Guide to Better Spiritual Growth and Personal Development
