From Harvard to the Jungle: Phillip Harding's Journey of Impact and Divine Purpose

A Calling to Kingdom Business

From a young age, Phillip felt a dual calling to business and public service, a conviction solidified by a prayer before an altar. This calling led him from California to Harvard, where he was elected university-wide student president, a testament to divine orchestration. His commencement speech, "A Kind of Destiny," drew parallels between George Washington's sense of divine guidance and the individual's call to serve the world with passion. This foundational belief in a 'divine hand' guiding one's steps remains central to his approach to life and business.

The Transformative Power of the Unknown

Phillip emphasizes that life is a series of 'circles,' moving from the comfort of the known to the transformative power of the unknown. This leap of faith, though often terrifying, is where the miraculous happens and where God's glory is most evident. He recounts moving to Cambridge, a significant 'jump out of the boat,' which ultimately led to his Harvard achievements and subsequent work as a presidential fellow in D.C. These experiences underscore his belief that stepping into the unknown is essential for personal and spiritual growth, revealing new opportunities, partners, and avenues for service.

Faith in Action: Daily Disciplines and Divine Appointments

Phillip's daily life is anchored in spiritual disciplines. He begins each day with prayer and Bible reading, seeking God's guidance for divine appointments and the right words to say. He views every interaction and situation, from business meetings to unexpected delays, as a potential 'God moment' or 'God nod' – subtle affirmations of God's presence and direction. This 'humble curiosity' and hypersensitivity to God's movement allow him to discern deeper purposes beyond surface-level tasks. He challenges the notion that ministry is separate from daily work, asserting that 100% of one's life can be consecrated to God's purpose, transforming every step into an act of worship and service.

Decision-Making Guided by Principle

When it comes to decision-making, Phillip relies on a deep sense of calling and a trust in God's ordered steps. He describes a process of feeling a 'shift coming,' a theme developing, and then making himself available to God's will. This involves prayer, seeking counsel from trusted mentors, and being alert to confirmations. He highlights the importance of walking in faith, not fear, and trusting that God has already ordered the path. His journey from Harvard to D.C., and even a seemingly random smile from a stranger, served as 'God nods' that affirmed his direction, ultimately leading him to impactful roles and global speaking engagements.

Generosity Beyond Finances

Phillip's understanding of generosity extends beyond monetary contributions to encompass time, talent, and resources. Drawing from Matthew 25, he emphasizes being a good steward of all that has been given. He recounts a profound experience in Burkina Faso, where he realized the immense privilege of his American citizenship and the responsibility to use his gifts for global impact. He advocates for a 'business and entrepreneur brains' approach to generosity, seeking sustainable solutions to global needs rather than just 'throwing money over the fence.' For him, business is a covenant of people solving problems together in a sustainable way, a definition that aligns perfectly with his mission to serve and love others.

Advice for the Marketplace Believer

For those looking to integrate their faith into the marketplace, Phillip encourages connection and engagement with resources like impactjunkie.com. He redefines an entrepreneur as simply someone who solves problems, emphasizing that if you love people and want to live out your God-given purpose, there's no better way than through sustainable business. He reminds us that our efforts in the marketplace, when aligned with God's will, have eternal significance. As he concludes, echoing Psalm 90, he prays for God to bless the work of our hands, urging us to take action and allow the Lord to use every aspect of our lives for His glory.