“WE PROCLAIM HIM, ADMONISHING AND TEACHING WITH ALL WISDOM SO WE CAN PRESENT EVERYONE PERFECT IN CHRIST.” COLOSSIANS 1:28

Module 7 Lesson 1

The Business of Yoga

Just like we approach yoga from a Christian perspective, we also approach business from a Christian perspective. 

We do this by looking at Proverbs 31, the last chapter of the Proverbs’ book. 

Here we decipher the words of wisdom and allow them to speak into our spirit for deeper meaning. For this lesson, we focus specifically on Proverbs 31: 10-31. 

Take Note: Even if you don’t plan to have a yoga business, this lesson will give you insight into how highly God values women. Please take time to work through it. 

Write for Insight:

What is the overall takeaway from this passage?What is your favorite verse from the scripture?What if any scriptures do you feel are hard to relate with? Which line(s) do you think could relate to having a business? Do you think these scriptures for business apply to you? Why or Why not? 

Going Deeper

Before we proceed, we take a look at the historical context of this passage. This gives us insight into Proverbs 31, which, as 2 Timothy 2:15 explains, is crucial because we want to uphold the accuracy of God’s word. 

The premise of Proverbs 31 was written by King Lemuel, whom some scholars believe is King Soloman. If this is so, then this would be Bathsheba, his mother sharing this Godly advice to Him. 

Bathsheba instructs her son regarding the qualities desirable in obtaining a Godly wife. Ideally, the kind of woman he would want to marry.

In this acrostic poem (each line starts with the Hebrew alphabet letter), women are viewed as pillars of wisdom, which occurs in other books in Proverbs. 

In fact, these books praise women as wisdom givers. Take a look at each and write down or highlight any meaningful phrases relating women to wisdom. 

Proverbs 1:20-33

Proverbs 8:1-36

Proverbs 9:1-12

These readings tell us wise women were of great importance to God. Isn’t that beautiful? 

With this realization, the actual intended audience of Proverbs 31 was men. In fact, it was the Jewish custom for men to memorize this passage and sing it over the various women in their lives as a way to encourage them, much like God sings over us in Zephaniah 3:17. 

Hopefully, we can dispel the myth that Proverbs 31 is an impossible instruction or “to do” list for women. Its purpose is not to point our inadequacies or feelings of negative self-worth.   

Proverbs 31 is quite simply a hymn to good Godly women. The intent was to speak into women’s lives, give them vision, hope, and a promise of their inheritance, as they work to honor their families and love God with all their hearts, soul, and mind. 

For this reason, we will take a look at the key verses upon which we can build and sustain a God-honoring business. 

13 She selects wool and flax

    and works with eager hands.

14 She is like the merchant ships,

    bringing her food from afar.

15 She gets up while it is still night;

    she provides food for her family

    and portions for her female servants.

16 She considers a field and buys it;

   out of her earnings, she plants a vineyard.

17 She sets about her work vigorously;

    her arms are strong for her tasks.

18 She sees that her trading is profitable,

    and her lamp does not go out at night.

19 In her hand, she holds the distaff

    and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

24 She makes linen garments and sells them,

    and supplies the merchants with sashes.

25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;

    she can laugh at the days to come.

31 Honor her for all that her hands have done,

    and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Write for Insight: 

Which verse or concept gets you most excited when it comes to having a Christian yoga business? Explain.

Of these qualities which seem most challenging to grasp or feel perhaps unattainable? Explain. 

Of these qualities, which do you feel are most identifiable for you?

Of these qualities and characteristics, what stands out to you most and why?

Go line by line and highlight and write down what words stand out about how the Proverbs 31 woman approaches her work. 

The truth is, the Proverbs 31 woman is within all of us. We are all daughters of The King, and with that comes qualities like perseverance, discernment, vigor, strength, wisdom, purpose, and dignity. 

If you feel otherwise, stop and pray for the Lord to show you a biblical approach to being a Godly woman in business. One who has characteristics and traits that are in alignment with who God is.

James 1:5 tells us that God gives generously when we ask for wisdom. Go to Him now! 

Call to Action: 

Up next, we begin to partner with God in creating the ideal Christian yoga business. Here we learn the importance of creating a mission statement. 

Even if you do not plan on having a yoga business but plan to teach classes, craft your mission statement with this goal in mind. Having a definite and clear “why” for your teaching gives you direction and purpose. 

Why a mission statement? 

A mission statement tells people why your business is important and relevant. It draws in clients by giving clear direction and explaining what your company intends to accomplish.

Key Elements of a Mission Statment 

Here are four key elements that can help craft a one-of-a-kind mission statement. 

Value – Why is your business worthy of students/clients?Inspiration – How can you help grow, shape, or help students who take your classes?Plausibility – What is a reasonable claim or offer for practicing Christian yoga? Specificity – Tie it back to the business- For Christian Yoga, tie it back to God or Christian values. 

How to Create a Powerful Mission Statement 

Consider the following when creating your mission statement:

Keep it short and concise, a few sentences max. Think long-term. The mission statement is an investment in your business’s future. Create it to reflect long-term goals.You can always change your mission statement as your yoga business evolves. For now, let’s keep it as simple as possible, with God being the focus of our Christian business. 

Example: 

Here is the PerfectFit Christian Yoga Teacher Training Mission Statement. 

The PerfectFit Mission is to empower individuals to become God-honoring, impactful, highly trained, Christian yoga instructor that change lives for Christ. 

Call to Action: Write For Insight

Based on Proverbs 31, let’s write a business statement for our Christian yoga business. Begin by praying and asking the Lord to reveal His mission for you and how you can put that into words. Follow the above guidelines as stated above.Share your mission statement in the PCYTT. Give BEST Feedback to 2 trainees on their mission statement by commenting on their post.