David:

[0:00] Well, I'm excited to have with me Rachel Nelson today. Rachel has been releasing content on her podcast since 2001 and has recently been led to talk specifically about her faith in Jesus. And when building a business, it's easy to get yourself wrapped up in tie your identity to success, but success is not always measured in capital and assets. So I brought Rachel on today to discuss how to approach business in a biblical mindset so you don't get lost in pursuing your business and shipwreck your faith. Now, Rachel, welcome to Redeeming Business today. I'm glad to have you on the show.

Rachel:

[0:35] Thank you so much for having me, and I'm excited for a great conversation.

David:

[0:40] And I'm sure it will be. So, Rachel, what is one way you believe that we can honor God in our business that others may not know about?

Rachel:

[0:48] Yeah, that's a great way to start it. So the biggest way that I believe that we can do that is giving God all the credit each and every time as we are growing in business or really any aspect of life, but specifically in business and in every aspect of the business.

David:

[1:04] Very good. I totally agree with that. So everybody's journey is different and it's very interesting to find out people's journeys. Your podcast host right now, how did you get here? Take three or four minutes, explain how you got to doing what you're doing today.

Rachel:

[1:19] Yeah, that in itself, I could definitely spend more than three to four minutes, so I'll try to keep it to a short minimum.

Rachel:

[1:25] In just the podcast overall, when I first started that back in 2021, I had zero intention of talking about my faith. I was not as vocal about my faith then at all. I realized that I didn't have an actual relationship with God. I've always considered myself a Christian, but didn't realize there was a difference

Rachel:

[1:44] between knowing who he is and reading his word and really talking to him daily. And as that started to grow he really put on my heart to switch things for the show to make it about faith and to be completely honest for the listeners I was terrified I was like that sounds nervous nerve-wracking and all of the things I don't really want to do that and then he brought it back to me in prayer and I was like I wasn't joking please do this again so I was like okay I'll actually listen this time got it and that turned into the podcast starting as something I wanted to talk about being an entrepreneur and giving actual actionable steps of growing and being an entrepreneur to now I talk specifically about my faith and bring other guest speakers on to help the listeners grow either grow in their relationship with the Lord or start a relationship with him and that also incorporates being an entrepreneur or just different aspects that the guest speakers are into as well and it's honestly been a really cool experience I definitely give got the credit in that and just showing me who I need to bring on the show and what it's turned into today.

David:

[2:52] That's very neat. That's very neat. It aligns a lot about what I'm trying to do as well, and just trying to help business owners to use their business to the glory of God, to advance God's kingdom. And how do you do that? And recently, there again, I've been convicted that, yeah, your relationship with God has a great deal with your success in your business, especially as a Christian. So what am I doing as a host to help people grow in that relationship? So very good. we talked about biblical mindset versus like a secular mindset for business what what would be the difference between those two mindsets yeah when you look at business

Rachel:

[3:30] Uh this is something that when you sent me the questions beforehand i really had to think about because i have used the term biblical mindset a few different times of just being in your bible and knowing who god says you are as a christian but then actually having that question i was like oh i need to know the difference. And after thinking about it, this is really the one sentence answer that I could say is that biblical mindset about business is knowing that God created you and the reason for this business is to glorify him and be obedient in his adventures slash the business that he's called you to. That also goes for being a Christian and just lifestyle overall. And then to talk specifically about a secular mindset is about what is the best for me in this season of life and how I can make the most money or the most time or move ahead in the business overall and not having God in it at all.

David:

[4:26] Very good. I've been trying to dig out that question as well. And the biggest thing I've seen recently is, is it all for self? Or is it, you know, people plan for self, trying to get freedom of time, money, relationships, health. Where I keep thinking in the back of my head, what about God? You know, where's this tie into God? What about what God wants for me? So, yeah, that's very cool. Must be along the same lines there in thinking. Good.

David:

[4:56] So how does this play out when you want to scale your business, but do it to honor God? How does that play out with a biblical mindset?

Rachel:

[5:05] Yeah, that's another aspect that I don't think I've had that specific question before. So it definitely made me go back to prayer and just to think about it. And that's really the biggest aspect that I want to highlight for the listeners is to pray about different aspects of your business. If you are wanting to grow it or if you're talking to clients or really any part of it, because that is obviously our communication with God and where we can look different from a non-believer in the business world of being open and honest about, oh, well, this is what God has told me to do or like these are the people that God has called me to work with. And I know this is something that I met or we mentioned before recording but very recently with my podcast God has made it very evident that I'm supposed to be talking to just women specifically and that at first is a hard thing for me to do because I love talking to everyone and I was like well I don't want to like push people away but God's like no this is what I've called you to do like we need to move forward in that and I also think that that can be related to in any business as well, because if you feel like God has told you that you have to work with a specific clientele, then you should work with that specific clientele and that he will provide those people for you as well.

David:

[6:20] Very good. Good. That's great to see. Do this and you do that. That's what you should be doing. Versus do it and I don't know if I want to do it. It's always a stretch of faith though, isn't it? I look in the Bible, Moses, Joshua, Gideon, look at all these people. It's a stretch of faith to actually put things into practice. But then you see him answer and you really get to experience God that, yeah, he knows what he's talking about and he takes care of you too.

Rachel:

[6:51] Yeah. And the other thing that I've really been learning is that it has never been said that it's going to be easy to be a believer, that God will call us to do harder things. And that I think is something that he's been reminding me over and over of. Like, I didn't say it was going to be easy. I just said that you need to be obedient. So like, okay, got it.

David:

[7:10] Yep. Yep. Very good. So what are some common pitfalls that you see leaders making when growing their business without this mindset?

Rachel:

[7:20] But yeah, so just to name a few, the biggest ones is making their business all about them, the person, and not having God in it. And just having God as more of like another aspect of their life and not in every single aspect of it. And then also attaching their worth as a human being to the outcome of their business and not the fact that our identity is in Christ. And these are all things that I have fallen to as well before having a close relationship with the Lord. And then the other one I wanted to mention was overworking themselves and teaching others to do the same, meaning if you're putting in way more hours a week than what you should be and not giving time for rest or whatever else needs to be done.

David:

[8:05] Okay. Is there a limit? What's too many hours? I don't know. Maybe that's different for every one of us. I don't know.

Rachel:

[8:14] Yeah no I definitely think it is different for each person and each season of life that you're in because I think it also goes to like if you're in the season of well this is something that we mentioned off recording but I'm about to become a mom my baby's due in January well obviously I don't have like an off switch of like oh well I'm done I can't feed you anymore baby like that's something that needs to continue to move forward but in as far as like being a business owner in moving into that season of life I know that things will adjust in the fact that I might have to take a little bit less time for maybe recordings for the podcast or different aspects of that and just to know that it's in different seasons and that if you want to work more in other areas that maybe that that'll happen in the near future in the future seasons.

David:

[9:07] You're absolutely right. Different seasons. I have nine kids and I am able to do things today that 10, 15 years ago I couldn't do. I was just totally busy, wrapped up, taking care of the kids. And, you know, when I go to church, just watching them versus I can talk to adults now versus just watch my kids run around. Yeah, different seasons of life. And, yeah, enjoy it. Try to enjoy every season. So you mentioned people tying their worth to the success of the business.

David:

[9:37] So how do you, if my worth is tied up into my success and whether I'm doing good or bad, how do I disconnect that?

Rachel:

[9:46] Yeah, I feel like that could be a loaded question because there's, I think, multiple different ways that you could go about doing that. And for myself, the biggest way that's helped is just being in the word on a daily basis or as much as possible, knowing the truth of who God says I am. And that is, it's hard too, because you can read it off of the page, but maybe not always have it sink in and fully understand it or fully believe that yet. And if listeners, if you're in that aspect and you're like, okay, well, this is great. I'm glad God says all the things, but it's just words on a paper for me right now. I just want to encourage those things that it will take time and that to continue to read those and to pray about it is very helpful.

David:

[10:32] Okay so you're basically saying just read read the bible get infused with the bible and find your worth in jesus essentially yes not not in your business yeah

Rachel:

[10:46] Okay which is definitely a lot easier said than done but worth it.

David:

[10:54] Yes absolutely so what are some ways that we can focus our business focus focus our minds on jesus when business doesn't go well yeah

Rachel:

[11:06] That is definitely where it becomes harder because you as a business owner obviously want to be successful and have the income or have the clients or whatever that could be. And again, my biggest things are to be in the word and pray. And then also the third one I want to add on that is to be in a community of other believers that can pray for you or that can give you knowledge or insight that maybe you're not seeing as the person that's going through the season. Because I definitely have a few close friends in my life that have pointed out different things of like, oh, well, have you seen this perspective or that and I was like nope not at all and it just helps to have somebody on the outside looking in sometimes that can really speak life into you okay.

David:

[11:52] So going on the other side, how do you keep a focus on Jesus when things start taking off and they're busy and you're making money and it seems like everything's going great? Because God warned a lot more on that. When I read through Deuteronomy, he said, beware when you're fed, you have a house, your goats multiply, your sheep multiply, your gold and silver multiply, everything multiplies. Don't forget me.

David:

[12:17] That seems to me a bigger temptation to forget God when things are going so well. So what are some things we can do at the same time if things are going well?

Rachel:

[12:30] Yeah, no, and I definitely agree in the fact that it is a lot easier when things are going well to be like, oh, I'm just doing all the things and like pat yourself on the back and move on. When really is you can look at it as the fact of all the things that have been going right. Well would you have had that if you didn't have your relationship with God if you if God wasn't a part of the picture and a lot of times for myself at least I can say that I wouldn't and it's just a really good reminder at least what I use for myself is to give God the credit in having the success and moving forward and to not change anything from the daily routine of being in the word and praying and talking to other believers even when it is good because that We'll just continue to hopefully have the good continue, depending on where you're at. But yeah, so I think that part has been really helpful.

Rachel:

[13:25] Sorry, I feel like I was answering that in a circle, so I will just hand it back over to you.

David:

[13:29] You're good. You're good. You're good. So what advice would you give to a new believer who has been running a successful business, now has come to Christ, and they want to start the walk with the Lord and do things different in their business? What's the first steps for them?

Rachel:

[13:46] Yeah. The first step or... Biggest thing that I would say is that a lot of times when you become a new believer, life will change and it could get harder.

Rachel:

[13:59] That is a very common thing of becoming a new believer overall. And I think that it can turn into a misconception of, oh, well, people that believe in God just have life super easy. When in all reality, a lot of times that's a lot different. It's because there is the fact that once you claim that you believe in the Lord, there is the enemy. And he obviously tries to take us away from God. and that could show up in your business as well because you could move forward and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and then the next day like something bad happens and you're like okay God like I just said that you're the Lord and now this is happening like what's going on um and and in those cases I just want to encourage people to keep growing in their relationship with the Lord and to pray to him and to be with him as much as possible in that and again just to have the.

Rachel:

[14:49] Time in the word is really the biggest thing that's been helpful to me and to talk to other believers go to church on a regular basis if at all possible to be around others to worship and to have the encouragement weekly because it's it can be very daunting if you're trying to build a business by yourself and especially when you are a believer because that is just a whole other aspect that non-believers don't see because it's just not a part of their business and then for For business owners overall that are believers, another big aspect that's helped me is to find communities online as well that are Christian believers that are entrepreneurs, because.

Rachel:

[15:29] There is a difference between being a believer and just talking about your faith, but then also having a business and being an entrepreneur and knowing all the different aspects and journeys, or journey, excuse me, of being an entrepreneur and that it's not always the easiest. And just to have somebody in your corner to be like, oh no, I completely understand of working 60 hours this week but then 20 hours the next week or whatever that could look like to be.

David:

[15:57] Okay. Very good. Thank you. Thank you. I am statements. What is an I am statement? You talked about biblical I am statements. What are those?

Rachel:

[16:06] Yeah, so an example of an I am statement is I am a child of God or I am loved. And the reason that I really like specifically biblical I am statements is because in the secular world, there is a lot of I am statements that put you at the center of it and that are into the more of the new age things like manifestation and all that kind of stuff, which is obviously not of God. And that has been a big part of my overall journey. As when I first started being an entrepreneur, I didn't, I dove into those things because I didn't realize that it wasn't from God. So now that I know the difference, I like to encourage others to find the I am statements that are biblical and that do show that God is our creator and our father.

David:

[16:54] Okay. And so what are some of your favorite I am statements that you use in your business?

Rachel:

[17:01] Yeah, honestly, this definitely encourages me to get a little bit better at using I have statements because I've realized I've kind of strayed away from it not meaning to. But ones I have used in the past or journaled about is I'm loved, I'm forgiven. And my, oh gosh, there was another one I wanted to mention and my brain just totally didn't have it. But it was basically talking about how your identity is in God.

David:

[17:29] Okay. Yes. Very good. So what are you looking forward to in 2025?

Rachel:

[17:35] Yeah. 2025 is definitely going to be a big year for me. The biggest thing that I'm looking forward to is becoming a mom outside of the business world and all of the adventures that that has within it. And then a big aspect is my podcast as well. The start of the new year, I will be launching two episodes a week and that is definitely... Thank you. It's definitely a growth from this last year as I have now hit my goal for 2024 of having one episode out a week and with being able to record with so many people, now being able to move it up to two.

David:

[18:11] Very cool. And congratulations on the baby too. That's going to be great. I hope things go well for you. And so where can my audience find more about you if they want to listen or whatever?

Rachel:

[18:23] Yeah. So for the podcast, it streams really wherever you can find podcasts. The two major outlets are Apple and Spotify. And the title of the show is This Is Me Attitude Podcast. I'm also on Instagram and Facebook. For Instagram, you can find me at Rachel Fun Nelson. So it's just my name with the word fun in the middle of it. And then also for the podcast on Instagram, This Is Me Attitude Podcast.

David:

[18:50] Okay. Very good. And I'll put those items in the show notes if you want to go check Rachel out. And so, last, you've talked about a lot of good things today. And so what is one thing that my listeners can take away from this episode if they forget everything else? Just remember one thing.

Rachel:

[19:07] Yeah. The biggest things I would

Rachel:

[19:09] like listeners to take away is having a biblical mindset is worth it. And God wants to have a deeper relationship with you because he loves you.

David:

[19:18] Very good. Deeper relationship with God. And it's worth it, absolutely. Well, thank you very much, Rachel, for your time and your encouragement. I loved it. It's a great conversation. And so, friends, that's all for now. Trust you have been inspired today to redeem your business, redeem your time, buy back your life, and use it for God's glory. And remember that time has limits. You can't do everything. Choose wisely.