By D. C. Chen I began my working career at an early age, at Chung Hwa Chemical Industrial Works when I was 14 years old. At that time, I was physically weak and often felt inferior due to my lack of strength. However, my boss reminded me success in business relies not on physical strength but on wisdom. Moses taught the Israelites how to become wise and discerning people as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. The key, he said, was in obeying God’s laws and commandments: “Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations” (Deuteronomy 4:6). Through daily Bible reading we can understand and learn to follow God’s Word, becoming wise.
When I was young, a female Canadian missionary came to Taiwan and introduced me to Jeremiah 17:7, “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” This verse inspired me to rely on God in my business endeavors. I also was greatly inspired by the story of David, who with unwavering faith in God faced and overcame threats from lions, bears, and giants.
In the company where I worked there was a personnel dispute. Someone threatened to harm me as I was taking over the factory’s operations. However, when I interacted with this individual, he said someone had informed him not to harm me. This experience deeply reinforced my belief in God’s unseen protection.
Thirty years ago, I began managing Everlight Chemical. From the start I incorporated the teachings of Deuteronomy as part of my business philosophy. After joining CBMC, I memorized the following verses to remind myself to let the Lord lead me: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Obeying God’s Word not only provides wisdom but also strengthens the foundation of a business and fosters continuous growth. Throughout my journey in managing Everlight Chemical, two passages from the Bible have been particularly impactful for me. The first is 1 Kings 12, which recounts how Rehoboam, by listening to unwise advice, faced betrayal from the Israelites. The second, 2 Samuel 23, describes how three of David’s mighty warriors risked their lives to fetch water for him. However, David offered the water to God instead of drinking it himself. This has taught me that a leader must not only possess wisdom but also embody a servant’s heart – serving employees and conducting business with integrity.
Thirty years ago, Everlight Chemical had only 20 employees. Today it has grown to more than 1,000. Our annual revenue has increased from five million to over four billion. Throughout this journey, I have relied on God’s Spirit and wisdom. He has moved professionals from around the world to assist us. These resources were not a result of my planning but a result of God’s grace. As “Higher Ground,” one of my favorite songs teaches, by continually looking upward and standing on a spiritual plateau, we can make important decisions and confront challenges without fear.
May the foundation of our business be built upon God’s Word, allowing us to face competition with confidence and reliance on Him. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, let us mature so when we stand before our Heavenly Father, we may receive His commendation as faithful, good, and wise servants.
Ding-Chuan Chen – D.C. Chen – is the founder of Everlight Chemical, a publicly listed advanced dye and high-tech chemical company in Taiwan. The company currently operates subsidiaries in six countries worldwide and has more than 1,800 employees. He is the author of “Ever Admire the Light” and “Higher Ground,” a member of CBMC for more than 50 years, serves as the Honorary Chairman of CBMC Taiwan, and has held the positions of Chairman for both CBMC Taiwan and the Asia-Pacific region, as well as the International Director of CBMC.
Reflection/Discussion Questions
- How do you believe that seeking to learn and apply God’s Word in the workplace can serve as a source of wisdom?
- Have you ever faced challenges in the workplace that you were able to overcome through your faith? If so, what was that like for you?
- When facing adversity or difficulties in the workplace, on whom or what do you typically choose to rely? Have you ever considered relying more on God instead? Why or why not?
- How do you think you could cultivate more spiritual growth in your daily life and work, and experience more of God’s grace and presence in your life?
NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more, consider the following passages: 1 Samuel 17:34-37; 1 Kings 12:13-15; 2 Samuel 23:15-17; 2 Peter 1:5-8
Challenge for This Week
This week, take time to reflect on how to practice the teachings of God’s Word in your daily life and work more consistently, allowing them to serve as your guiding principle. When faced with challenges, try spending time in prayer and seeking the Lord’s guidance. If you find yourself tending to rely primarily on your own understanding and experience, challenge yourself to first entrust these matters to God and wait for His direction.
If you notice someone in need of help in dealing with competition or difficulties, pray and consider encouraging them to rely on God’s wisdom rather than their own strength. This week, let us all strive to walk in faith and obedience, following the path guided by God’s Word
