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On the edge of my seat again waiting for the aspiring entrepreneur to make a decision about whether or not they were going to take the offer given to them by one of the investors that sit on a panel of investors who are looking for businesses they can hook up with and make a lot of money.

When I’ve watched “Shark Tank” I’ve been amazed at the variety of product and business ideas that people have come up with...people have a lot of smarts and a lot of talent and have really come up with some good opportunities for investors to invest in.  Of course, the goal for the investor is to hook up with someone that will turn their investment of money into more money for them.

 For the entrepreneur, they must decide how much of their company they are willing to give up to the investor, and soon to be partner, for the money they are asking for.  It appears that, for the most part, the more money that is requested by the entrepreneur the greater percentage of their company must be given to the investor. 

They ask for a certain amount of money...say $500,000 and in return they will give the investor 10% of their company...then they pitch their product or business to a panel of five or six investors and then the negotiations begin...sometimes no investor wants any part of the business...sometimes all of the investors are trying to make a deal and they compete against one another to secure the business partnership.

The investors bring a lot to the table, not just money, but as a partner helping to steer the new businesses in the right direction...to take the next step of development...to make the most money.  It’s good for the new business owner and of course, good for the investor, as they want the best return they can receive from their investment of time and money.

When the entrepreneur has a very valuable business and several investors are interested they must decide what it’s going to cost them to receive the investor as a partner.  How valuable are they...what benefits do they bring...why should they commit themselves to that partner.  Is it worth the cost?

The investor wants to know that their new business partner is going to give 100% of their time and energies to the company...they want to be assured that they will do their best to grow the company and make money.  That’s their end game...more money.

Usually, the investors ask for more of the company than the entrepreneur started with...in our example, they might ask for 20% of the company for the $500,000 and then a decision must be made.  Are they, the entrepreneur, willing to enter into the partnership with the investor...where they will be on the same team from that point forward?  Are they willing to part with the 20% of their company...the cost...for the benefit...the $500,000?

Some people just can’t make the decision...they are paralyzed...they just can’t seem to understand the value of the investor to their company...or they just don’t believe the investor brings that much value to their company and say “no” to the offer.  So they freeze and lose the deal or they just say “no” because they don’t see the value...and they must go it on their own for the time being...when...going it on their own... just hasn’t been working good enough...or they wouldn’t be there trying to make a deal and get the help and experience they so need.  They just can’t or won’t make the necessary commitment that is necessary for business’ success.  I don’t know how many times I’ve yelled at the T.V., “C’mon man...take the deal...are you crazy?  You’re turning down just exactly what you need!”

But I must admit I sweat just as much and sit on the edge of my seat just as often when I observe people like you and me when we are unwilling to make the necessary commitment to enjoy abundant life...we turn down just exactly what we need from Jesus Christ.

Jesus said, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10 (ESV)

Just think about some of the highlights that Jesus offers!

  1. ..eternal life in heaven.
  2. Answer to the questions of life.
    1. Where did I come from?
    2. Where am I going?
    3. What am I here for?
  3. Abundant life.
  4. Family

Just think about what it cost Him to be in the position to make that offer... He gave His life by dying on the cross as a substitute for us, satisfying the just demands of a righteous God...that He might provide a way to heaven...when there was no other way.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6 (ESV)

Just think, He offers us life...we die without Him...and then He promises to never leave us or forsake us so that we know how to make the most out of the life He has provided.

But so many...just can’t or won’t make the decision to receive the free gift of eternal life...and follow Him as a disciple.   They’re afraid of what their commitment to Him might cost.

And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. Luke 9:23 (ESV)

I sit on the edge of my pew and I’m screaming inside...”C’mon man...take the offer...you’re turning down exactly what you need in your life.

How about you?  Have you taken the offer...or still just considering...a disciple of Christ...or not...which means you just have to go through life on your own...How’s that working for you?

Make a commitment!  Commitment to an investor is scary...when you don’t trust the investor.

Do you trust Christ enough to commit to Him...for salvation...and for living life?

I’m sitting on the edge of my seat,  “C’mon man...commit...it’s not even a four letter word...don’t turn down exactly who you need for living your life to the max.

Posted by Ralph Sawyer with