Embrace Entrepreneurialism:

Amish children only attend school through the eighth grade, but the formal education they receive is comparable to a 12th grade education in many public schools. After graduation, Amish young people learn a trade or master a high-quality craft like quilting or furniture making. Once a trade is learned, some young people work for a relative, or someone else in the area running a business they have been trailed in. As they progress, some may start their own business, or even work two jobs. In my six-book Amish Millionaire series, Eustace Byler became wealthy because he allowed oil wells on his property. Surprisingly enough, some Amish people do quite well financially.

The main reason the Amish succeed at what they do is because they are hard-working and reliable at their jobs. They aren’t caught up with TV, computers, or other modern things that would take away from an honest day’s work. They strive to do their best and it shows in the quality of their work.

Do you or someone you know own anything made by the Amish? Have you noticed the quality of the workmanship? How can we teach our English young people to have good work ethics?

The Amish believe in extending forgiveness quickly. This is a practice they take seriously. An example of this is how an Amish community near Lancaster, Pennsylvania responded in 2006 when a man entered an Amish schoolhouse and shot several children. The media, as well as many people in our nation, were shocked when the Amish forgave the shooter. In that, there is a lesson to be learned. If we don’t forgive, it affects every aspect of our lives. How can we come to a place of forgiveness when someone has hurt us or a member of our family? What does the Bible say about forgiveness?

Last month I discussed one way we can live like the Amish without having to join the Amish faith. It involved prioritizing faith and family. Today, I’d like to share with you a second way I believe we can live like the Amish.

Make the needs of others a top priority. My Amish friends have a true heart for people. They’re just as busy as we are with life, but when they see a need, they drop everything to respond. I have seen this firsthand many times. The love the Amish show for others draws me back to their commitment of putting God first and then family and friends second. Their desire for people over things is a lesson we can emulate in our culture of excess.

Is there something special you have done for a friend or family member this week? Has someone done something to help you?