What Isaiah 58 Has to Say to Every Entrepreneur This Lent
What does it look like to fast as an entrepreneur?
In Isaiah chapter 58, we read about the fast that is acceptable to the Lord. The Lord delivers this particular instruction to those in the Jewish leadership, those in power with authority, and therefore, this scripture passage might have something of particular value for entrepreneurs, those of us who lead teams and run businesses.
I was challenged by the verses from Isaiah and would like to reflect on a few in particular, with this question as framing: what would it look like to be set apart as a Catholic-led company in a secular world?
“See, on your fast day you carry out your own pursuits, and drive all your laborers.” - Isaiah 58:3
Do we, as leaders, make space for the people on our teams to rest? Does Lent have particular time carved out for our teams to spend more time in prayer, fasting and almsgiving, and less on “being driven” by the owner’s pursuits?
“See, you fast only to quarrel and fight and to strike with a wicked fist!”
- Isaiah 58:4
As we abstain from pleasures, does that manifest in more joy at work? Do the people I work with find me a more joyful person in this season of fasting? Or have I turned inward, living out of my own inconveniences and small deprivations?
“Is this not, rather, the fast that I choose: releasing those bound unjustly, untying the thongs of the yoke; Setting free the oppressed, breaking off every yoke?” - Isaiah 58:6
Where do the people I lead feel oppressed? Do I make time to listen to others' pain, to pray for them intentionally, to offer help as I am able? The heavy yokes of our colleagues might look like mental health struggles, family health declining, kids straying from goodness, anxiety about finances. Do they know I care? Have I prayed with them? Might I, in my position of power, be able to help them tangibly?
“Is it not sharing your bread with the hungry, bringing the afflicted and the homeless into your house; Clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning your back on your own flesh?” - Isaiah 58:7
Am I making more space for my spouse and children? As I think of the hungry and naked, I think first of the little kids in my house. How helpful am I? How joyful am I when I help? Those of us with families have a built-in opportunity for the corporal works of mercy. Does our fast lead us to be better in pouring out for our families?
Or do we run to work more as an escape from the discomfort of the fast?
In our line of work, there is very real spiritual warfare because there is a very real impact on the Kingdom. God’s promise of a good fast is clear and gives me consolation:
“Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your wound shall quickly be healed; Your vindication shall go before you, and the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.” - Isaiah 58:8
These are both the challenging questions and the vision that draws me step by step through a fruitful Lent, as I hope it will for you. If these questions resonated, I'd love to hear how other entrepreneurs are approaching Lent this year.
- Nick Madden
CEO, SENT
SENT is a community where high-performing entrepreneurs and owners go to sharpen their leadership, deepen their formation, and build for the Kingdom.
