I borrowed that phrase from Harry C. Green, our senior entrepreneur mentor. The phrase clearly illustrates the constant dilemma of the Christian entrepreneur, whether your idea is business or ministry related. Validating your vision and insuring that God is indeed speaking to your heart is one of the most crucial steps to entrepreneuring as a believer. Every step that we take affects our future and the focus of our efforts. It is important to have our "ears to the sky", hearing every word that Lord speaks. It is in this process that the entrepreneur begins to operate in a sort of prophetic role, receiving encouragement and guidance from the Holy Spirit, confirming His intentions and compelling the person to leap forward toward God's high calling.

In order for an idea to be inspired, it must resemble the character of Him who inspired it. All too often, we are driven by our own impulses, or perceptions of opportunity. We step out of God's rhythm and into our own brand of "Christian Business". Many succeed in pushing God out of the picture completely, running on adrenaline, twisted scripture references, and their own desire to become successful. Is that what we want out of this journey? I believe that Christian entrepreneurs want much more than that.

So, the question remains - how do we know whether it is a good idea, or a "God" idea? Unfortunately, there is no blanket formula for this. However, here are a few checkpoints that might help you to make an assessment.

1. What is the character of the business? Does it exhibit or reflect the character of God?

2. Will the business or anything associated with it force you to compromise God's values in any way?

3. Has God equipped you for this venture? Do you currently have the basic tools to begin the process?

4. Has God sent people to you to help you and encourage you?

5. Does your idea inspire others?

These questions are not meant as qualifiers or disqualifiers. They are only meant to help you to think more deeply about what God wants from you as an entrepreneur. For some, there is still some time to wait. For others, the time to move is now. It is my hope that you will find yourself somewhere in between, ready to march toward his calling on your life, whether it be pastoring a church, or building a multi-million dollar company.