Sven Johansson was the kind of employer people loved to work for. He was fair, kind, and deeply committed to his company's success. Sven had built his company from the ground up as the owner of a growing business. It started with a dream and a little office in his garage, but years of hard work and sacrifice had turned it into a thriving enterprise.Now, Sven was searching for a new manager. Not just any manager, but the right one. Someone who wasn’t just in it for the paycheck but who would pour their heart into the company, treat it as their own, and stay for the long haul. Sven needed someone who would share his vision and help take the business to the next level.One Monday morning, Sven sat at his desk, reviewing a stack of resumes. One caught his eye. The candidate’s experience was impressive, but what stood out was the cover letter. The applicant wrote about wanting more than just a job. They wanted to invest in a place where they could make a difference, grow roots, and contribute to something bigger than themselves.“That’s the kind of person I’m looking for,” Sven thought, excited to set up an interview. But as he pondered their words, a question formed: “Would I hire myself if the roles were reversed?”The thought surprised him. Sven brushed it off and moved on, but it lingered like a whisper in his mind.That night, Sven couldn’t shake the question. After dinner, he retreated to his study, intending to prepare questions for the upcoming interviews. But instead, his thoughts turned inward. He had built a successful business and poured everything into its success. His employees loved working for him, his clients trusted him, and the company was growing steadily. By all accounts, Sven had accomplished what most people dream of.As he sat in silence, he remembered a verse he had read recently during his hurried morning devotionals: “Purify your hearts, you double-minded [people]” (James 4:8). The phrase “double-minded” suddenly struck a nerve. Sven felt as if God was gently pressing on his heart, revealing a deeper truth.He realized he had spent years being “all in” for his business—his time, energy, and even his identity were wrapped up in its success. But he wasn’t sure he could say the same when it came to God. Yes, he attended church regularly, gave generously, and prayed occasionally. But if he were honest, his relationship with God often felt like an obligation, a box to check off at the end of the day.Sven leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling. “Am I double-minded?” he asked aloud, though he already knew the answer. He had been serving two masters: God and his business. And the truth was, his business often came first.The next morning, Sven couldn’t stop thinking about his realization. He found himself asking questions he had avoided for years: What really matters most to me? Where does my loyalty truly lie?Sven thought of Jesus's words: “No one can serve two masters” (Matthew 6:24). He realized his heart had been divided. While he pursued success and excellence in his work, he had neglected the kingdom of God and his spiritual growth. He had built a thriving business but left parts of his soul untended.Sven couldn’t help but think about the candidate’s cover letter again. The applicants had said they wanted to be part of something bigger than themselves. Sven had thought they meant the company, but now he wondered if God was speaking to him through those words.“What about you, Sven?” the quiet voice in his heart asked. “Are you part of something bigger than yourself? Are you all in for My kingdom?”That evening, Sven made a decision. He knelt by his bed and prayed a prayer of surrender that he hadn’t prayed in years. “Lord, I’ve been chasing the wrong things. I’ve poured myself into this business but held back from You. I don’t want to be double-minded anymore. I want You to be first in my life. Show me how to live fully for You.”The next morning, something shifted in Sven’s heart. He approached his work differently, seeing it not just as a way to make a living but as an opportunity to glorify God. He began to prioritize his relationship with the Lord, setting aside time each day to read Scripture and pray. He also became more intentional about how he led his employees, looking for ways to encourage and uplift them.Sven still worked hard, but now his business wasn’t his master. It was simply a tool to serve a greater purpose.A few weeks later, Sven hired the candidate whose letter had moved him so deeply. They proved to be the perfect fit, bringing fresh energy and vision to the company. But Sven couldn’t help but think the real transformation had been in his own heart.For years, he had sought someone who would be “all in” for the success of the company. But God had been seeking the same thing from him—a fully devoted, undivided heart, and all in for His kingdom.Sven learned that purifying your heart isn’t just about removing sin; it’s about aligning your desires with God’s will and letting Him be your first love. And in doing so, he discovered the peace and fulfillment he had longed for all along.2 Corinthians 5:15 (NIV) "And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again."
In His love,
Pastor Tim Burt
