The Legend of the Monk and the Merchant is a parable that will help people in the marketplace see their how their role can be a powerful ministry. It is generally easy for people to identify the way the life of a minister impacts God's plans and God's kingdom. However, it is often difficult for people to understand and appreciate the role of business people. Further, business people are challenged in identifying ways they can fully participate and contribute. This story provides great insights to these concerns, and provides principles that will help business people optimize their impact.
The tale is set in the 1500s. Antonio, goes on to Rome with his grandson, Julio to share his experiences and advice. The basic premise is that a merchant can be as effective in ministry as a monk, but in different ways. As Antonio shares his experiences, adventures, relationships and failures with Julio, he reveals 12 principles for being an effective, ministering, merchant. These principles cover a range of topics addressing:
- Finances
- Accountability
- Failure
- and of course, honoring God
I would recommend this book to a number of people: Christians that are entering the workforce for the first time, Christian business people struggling with their role in God's kingdom, and people in ministry roles that seek to better understand the role of business people in God's kingdom.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
