Kingdom Boldness: How Abiding in God Transforms Business and Generosity

In the bustling world of business, where ambition often clashes with integrity, Luis Lugo stands as a testament to the transformative power of faith. As the founder of FearlessWorks and a leader across multiple enterprises, Lugo embodies a unique blend of shrewd business acumen and unwavering devotion to God. His journey reveals that leading with a heart for God isn't just about Sunday sermons; it's about a daily, intentional walk that redefines success and impact.

The Genesis of FearlessWorks: A Kingdom Calling

Luis’ career began in construction, building a 16-person team focused on residential and commercial projects. Yet, a deeper calling stirred within him. "My heart has always been to the kingdom," Luis shares, explaining that all his ventures serve as avenues to fulfill God's will. This conviction led to the birth of FearlessWorks, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to rebuilding homes after natural disasters, free of charge to homeowners.

FearlessWorks operates with remarkable efficiency, rebuilding a 1,500 sq ft home in just three weeks for approximately $65,000. This speed and cost-effectiveness are due to strategic relationships and pre-approved home designs. But Luis’ vision extends further with the National Church Disaster Response Program (NCDR). This initiative mobilizes churches across the U.S., providing an avenue for them to contribute financially, volunteer, and supply materials for disaster relief. "Our heart is that the local church be the one to provide the aid in their community," Luis explains, emphasizing the importance of local ministry and long-term support.

Beyond the Surface: The Power of Abiding

Luis’ ability to integrate faith and business stems from a profound spiritual discipline: abiding in Christ. He recounts a pivotal moment when, feeling a constant struggle to put God first, he asked the Lord for guidance. The answer was clear: "You need to abide in me." This wasn't a casual suggestion but a directive that reshaped his daily routine.

Luis made a conscious decision to prioritize God, starting his day at 5:30 AM for undisturbed time with Him. "I decided to wake up at 5:30 in the morning every day to give me time with him where I didn't have the distractions," he states. This shift, from immediately checking his phone to seeking God's presence, transformed his life. "Everything changed because now it was about God directing me. It was no longer about what I thought was important for that day. It was now about what he thought was important for that day."

This consistent connection, Luis explains, brings peace, clarity in decision-making, and a sense of divine orchestration. He calls it a "cheat code" for life, acknowledging that while he may falter, the key is to quickly return to the practice of abiding. "Abiding has nothing to do with when you mess up. It has to do with how you get yourself back on track."

Faithful Principles in Action: The Tithe and Divine Provision

Luis’ commitment to biblical principles extends to his financial practices. He shares a powerful testimony of how God honored his obedience in tithing. During a dip in business, he felt a clear message from God: "You have become unfaithful." This conviction led him to immediately re-prioritize tithing, instructing his bookkeeper to ensure it was the very first allocation from every incoming check.

Within two weeks of this renewed commitment, a project that had been bid on four years prior resurfaced. It was an $11 million project, highly profitable, and a direct result of his obedience. "The Lord said to me, listen, it's not about the money, it's about the obedience. It's about the heart," Luis reflects. This experience, and others like it, solidified his belief that when our hearts are aligned to honor God, He will honor us in return.

Generosity: Reflecting God's Character

For Luis, generosity is not merely an act but a reflection of God's very nature. "God is a God of generosity," he asserts, pointing to biblical examples of divine benevolence. As he strives to be more like God through abiding, generosity naturally flows. "The more that I abide in him, the more that he enables me to be able to be like Him."

This isn't about his own inherent goodness. "This is not my good character by any means. It is simply me conforming to who he is." He encourages others to embrace generosity as a core aspect of their faith, understanding that it's a powerful way to demonstrate God's love to the world.

Shrewdness and Integrity: Leading with Kingdom Excellence

Luis challenges the misconception that faith-filled leaders must be naive or lack business acumen. "Shrewdness is not a bad thing," he declares, emphasizing that the Bible itself speaks of being shrewd. A mighty businessman can also be a mighty man of God. The key lies in character and integrity.

"You can be a good businessman and you can be a person of integrity and of character without having to say, for example, Jesus loves you to everybody that walks around you," Luis explains. It's not about overt evangelism in every interaction, but about living out God's character through excellence, integrity, generosity, and adherence to what is right. There doesn't have to be a separation between one's faith and one's work; instead, the workplace becomes an arena for living out God's truth.

Your Call to Action

Luis Lugo's life offers a compelling blueprint for transformational leadership. Are you ready to:

• Prioritize Abiding: Make intentional time for God each day, allowing Him to direct your steps.

• Practice Obedience: Align your decisions, especially in finances, with biblical principles.

• Embrace Generosity: Reflect God's character by giving your time, talent, and treasure.

• Lead with Shrewd Integrity: Operate your business with excellence, character, and a commitment to what is right.

By putting God first and allowing His character to shape yours, you too can experience a profound transformation in your business, your leadership, and your impact on the world. For more information on Luis Lugo's work, visit fearlessworks.org.