For many the ultimate measure of success is being a business owner. This is so revered in America that it is known as the American Dream.

The reasons for starting a business may vary, but most people seem to embark on the journey to achieve wealth or employment freedom—both viewed as marks of success.

Wealth is viewed as a tool to enable us to make choices—to live according to our will and ways. Furthermore, wealth is perceived as security.

Employment freedom is often viewed as a means to escape the control of unscrupulous bosses who use and abuse people. There is also an assumption that self-employment means the entrepreneur will not have a boss.

From a biblical worldview, however, wealth is not the measure of success (John 17:4) and money is not the basis for security (Revelation 3:17). Furthermore, self-employment does not mean that a entrepreneur does not have a boss. Everyone reports to someone. In the case of entrepreneurs, they report to those who buy their products or use their services. And, whether they know it or not, ultimately every business owner reports to the Lord (Colossians 4:1).

If starting a business is not about wealth or employment freedom, why start a business? Great question.

For a profound answer—indeed the only biblically profound answer—one must consider the reality of Genesis 1:1: “In the beginning God.” To live well and wisely in God’s universe, one must face this reality. God is the source of life; therefore, he alone has the right to define everything in life. If you seek to do something in life that is of your own invention, it will not go well (James 4:13–17). The only valid reason to start a business is because God has called you to the task.

If you are led to start a business, note also that God has prescribed ways for a business to function. In God’s universe, he made all the rules. As beings created by an intentional, purposeful God, we must live according to both God’s will and ways (i.e., his rules). Therefore, if it is God’s will that you start a business, you must obey, but you must do it according to his ways.

Here is your business tip. Starting a business or organization is daunting and, in the natural, the odds of success are low. But if God has called you to start a business or organization, there will be a way because God funds his will. There are two keys to success. First, you must seek the will of the Lord and then align with his will. And second, you must learn and practice God’s ways of economics and business. You can try to learn to discern his will and ways on your own, which you should. But if you don't seek godly help, you will make many mistakes. The most effective means to learn how to live according to the will and ways of God is to submit to discipleship by someone who knows how to live accordingly.