Being a Kingdom-minded, Christ-centered, presence-driven CEO carries with it both the responsibility and the honor of being a model for others, both within the body of Christ and in the broader culture. Leading a business rooted in our identity in Christ as sons and daughters and operating from a place of beloved identity is not just a good idea—it’s our Kingdom mandate.
Rooted in Sonship and Beloved Identity
Romans 8:19 tells us, “For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed.” Did you get that? The whole world, the culture at large is waiting for us to receive the revelation of who we are, as rooted in our identity as God’s children. As a CEO who is anchored in beloved identity, you start from the profound understanding that you are God’s beloved Son or Daughter, in whom He is well pleased. Yes, I capitalized Son and Daughter on purpose, because it’s a title. You are seated with Christ. It’s hard to strive to achieve while being seated. However, its pretty easy to receive seated. This foundational truth transforms how you lead, make decisions, and interact with your team and clients. You are a receiver of God’s favor and blessing. This is the place where abundance flows.
Jesus’ Example of Beloved Identity
Jesus’ earthly ministry begins with a powerful affirmation from the Father: “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). Before Jesus performed any miracles or preached any sermons, He received this affirmation of His identity. Similarly, as Kingdom-minded entrepreneurs, we must start from the place of knowing that we are His beloved Son or Daughter. This removes the temptation to strive and conform to the patterns of this world. Because we know that He has “got” us. He is good, and He has no other way of being. If is not good yet- He is not finished yet.
Have you ever thought of the idea that the temptation of Jesus by the devil in wilderness after His 40 fast – where all attacking His identity as the Son of God? And the Devil’s temptations collimated with “I will give.. If you bow down and worship me.” This war over worship and our identity is still going strong today. This is still the enemies offer, “if you bow down and worship me, I will give.” This is why we have to be anchored in our “Beloved Identify” as Christ-Centered, Presence-Driven, Kingdom-minded CEOs.
Counter-Cultural Leadership
Romans 12:2 admonishes us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” As Christ-centered, presence-driven business leaders, we are called to look and operate differently from those who do not follow Christ. Our work ethic, values, and leadership style should reflect the Kingdom of God. We lead from a place of favor and blessing, not striving for it. This distinctiveness is not just about external behavior but about a deep, internal transformation rooted in our identity in Christ.
One of the scariest (Rhetorical scary – not real scary) things someone can say to me is, “you have the same core values and desires as me.” If my life makes sense to the non-believer. Than I have missed my assignment and mandate from heaven. If I have the same work-a-holic – striving work ethic, if I cut the same corners and allow ethical compromise into my life and work practices, if I leverage all my recourses to the hilt and if I look the same as a unredeemed CEO of the world. I have missed it.
However, if the unredeemed, non-believer entrepreneur in the business world can look at my life and be puzzled as to my success; If they have to ask, “how did you do that, you as less experienced than me, you don’t have the right recourses, but you are better than me, smarter than me, and more successful than me. How did you do that?” I know that I am, at least, beginning to step into a divine flow. This is the Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego anointing. They were counter culture to their environment. They did not engage with the cultural norm of their day- but yet they rose above their peers with spirit of excellence. This is what Abba is looking for in the earth- This is what the world is waiting for in hopeful expectation. A company of Marketplace Leaders that look and act completely different- a counter cultural company of prophetic CEOs.
Living from the Place of Favor
Knowing that you are already beloved by God and that He is pleased with you changes everything. You have nothing to earn, nothing to hide, nothing to lose, and nothing to fear. This secure identity allows you to lead with confidence, integrity, and compassion. Your leadership becomes a testimony of God’s goodness and a beacon of hope and excellence in the marketplace.
Being a CEO rooted in sonship and beloved identity is about more than just achieving success. It’s about embodying the values and principles of the Kingdom of God in every aspect of our business and leadership. As we embrace this identity, we will see the transformative power of God at work in and through us, impacting not only our companies but the world around us.
Prayer of Declaration and Decree
Here is a prayer that I pray regularly over myself and my company and team. Feel free to insert your name and appropriate pronouns as you feel led.
*Make it your own*
Heavenly Father, I declare and decree that I am working from the starting place of Your affirmation over my life, family, company and team. I am Your beloved son, in whom You are well pleased. I have nothing to earn, nothing to hide, nothing to lose, and nothing to fear. Therefore, I can live and operate from the place of belonging and being a seated son – giving myself away in love to those around me. I acknowledge that You are empowering me to lead my businesses with the confidence and assurance that comes from knowing I am deeply loved by You.
Holy Spirit, thank You for the calling and responsibility You’ve entrusted to me as a Kingdom-minded, Christ-centered, presence-driven CEO. I thank You for the profound truth that I am Your beloved son, in whom You are well pleased. Today, I receive a fresh impartation of beloved identity, to walk in the fullness of Your favor and grace.
Father, in the name of Jesus, I step into all that you have for me today and this week. Holy Spirit, You are One who take the things of Jesus and declares them me; so, I receive Your gift that empowers and equips me for the tasks ahead- today, this week and this month. I receive Your gift of wisdom that guides my every decisions, Your love that inspires my every interactions, and Your peace that govern my heart, emotions and will. Just as Jesus received affirmation before embarking on His ministry, I know that You, Father are speaking those same word to me now – I receive into my heart Your words of affirmation, and allow them to become my reality and my identity is secure in You.
I declare that my businesses is a platform for Your glory. Abba, cause my leadership to reflect the values of Your Kingdom—integrity, compassion, humility, and excellence. Jesus, my intention is to be a counter-cultural leader, transformed by the renewing of my mind, and not conformed to the patterns of this world. Holy Spirit transform my thoughts, beliefs, attitudes and actions into Your thoughts and actions. Transform my work ethics, values, and leadership style to be a testimony to Your goodness and a beacon of hope in the marketplace to which You have sent me.
Lord, I break off any spirit of striving, fear, or insecurity off my life and belief systems. I decree that I have nothing to earn, nothing to hide, nothing to lose, and nothing to fear because I am fully loved and accepted by You. As Your beloved son, I receive the peace that surpasses all understanding, I guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. I am seated with Christ in heavenly places, and I set my mind in that reality.
I release over my mind and heart a spirit of innovation and creativity to rest on me, and I step into the flow of Your creativity. Your divine strategies and ideas flow freely, enabling me to advance Your Kingdom through this businesses. Open my eyes to see opportunities where others see obstacles, and allow me to serve others and see what You are doing in and through others. Allow my company(ies) to thrive under Your divine guidance.
Father, I declare Your protection over every team member, customer, client, vendor and prospective client, and their families, and their businesses. Surround us all with Your angels, I decree safety from harm and release Your guidance through every challenge. Lord, impart Your trust, and faith in Your provision and Your promises, knowing that You are faithful to complete the good work You have begun in us.
In the authority of Jesus Christ, I declare and decree that I will lead from a place of beloved identity. I will impact the spheres of influence You have placed me in with Your love and truth, bringing transformation and hope to all I encounter. Thank You, Lord, for choosing me and for the honor of serving Your people through this businesses You have given me to steward.
Hallelujah!
