Chuck Bengochea was born in Cuba, raised in the United States by a single mom, graduated from Cornell University, and worked in several positions of leadership in business, including being the controller of the Food Services division of Coca-Cola and then the CEO of The Original HoneyBaked Ham Company of Georgia. I have in my files an interview he gave “The Pentecostal Evangel” in 2009 that included his Biblical philosophy of work.
How does being a Christian translate to the workplace?
Scripture clearly says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men” (Colossians 3:23, NIV). I’ve made that an anchor verse. In other words, it’s no more sacred to be serving in Haiti than it is for me to come to do what I do – as long as the condition of the heart is the same. Whatever we’re doing, we’re doing it for the Lord.
The requirement of us in business is intimacy with the Savior. Our full-on 24/7 pursuit should be to draw closer to our Father. And if we do that, then a wall drops. In other words, I don’t come to work and look at it as if there’s this wall or door I’m going to go through, and when I go through that door I have to act a different way. There should be nothing prohibiting me from sharing the gospel proclaiming the name Jesus Christ.
If you have the right heartbeat, you realize when you come to work that whatever it is you do you work as unto the Lord. You start by investing in your folks and making sure that at some point – having served them well, having loved them well – that you get the privilege of ensuring they know the reason for that is Jesus Christ.
What are some other principles Christian businesspeople should live by?
For too many Christian business people, God is in a box. They leave God at home and change their behavior in the office as they pursue a profit or bonus. We serve a living God who’s not in a box, who is King and on His throne every day regardless of where we are.
Christians in business should honor and serve God every day in how they treat their vendors, employees and customers – all of that is under God’s authority. God is over your job, not just your church.
How does your faith influence how you do business?
I strive to always be aware that I’m a witness for God. One of the public things I say in my company all of the time is that I’m not interested in my legacy being how many hams I sold. But I want my legacy to be how many people I impact. That’s what I’m more interested in. How many people did I love with God’s love.
At the end of the day, no matter how bad my flesh wants to (mess) things up, I try not to lose sight that I serve God and represent Him. That’s a joyful privilege, but it’s also a sobering one.
This Sunday, September 1, we will consider “God’s Gift of Work” as we study the example of Daniel (chapter 6). Please invite someone to join you at 10:35am in the building or online for the Live broadcast on either Facebook (Honolulu AG) or our YouTube channel (Honolulu Assembly of God). We Livestream every Sunday at 10:35am to both locations and would love to have you join us.
After this Sunday’s service, everyone is invited to stay for a Labor Day Potluck Lunch in the Fellowship Hall. Bring your favorite picnic foods to add to the table. It will be ono-licious!
Women and keiki, please reserve Saturday, September 7, at 11:30am for “Smile«Sparkle«Shine”, a fun time of sharing in the Fellowship Hall. Bring something delicious to add to the table. Our next “Drive-through Prayer” outreach in the parking lot is that same day at 11am-1pm.
Aloha ke Akua!
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