Below is a Christian modern-style character study of David Green, founder of Hobby Lobby—written with the tone, cadence, and spiritual weight of a contemporary biblical narrative, while still grounded in real-world facts and crafted to inspire both entrepreneurs and church members.
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The Book of Stewardship: The Life of David, Son of Green
A Modern Character Study for Builders, Believers, and Kingdom Entrepreneurs
Chapter 1 — The Calling of a Craftsman
And it came to pass in the land of Oklahoma, in the latter half of the twentieth century, that a man named David Green felt a stirring in his spirit.
Not a stirring of ambition alone, nor the restless hunger of worldly gain, but a whisper from the Lord saying:
> “Build with your hands, and honor Me with the work of them.”
David was born not into wealth, nor into the halls of influence, but into a family of pastors and prayer warriors. His inheritance was not silver or gold, but faith, discipline, and the conviction that God owns everything, and man is but a steward.
From a small garage, with a borrowed \$600 and a vision that seemed too small for men but just right for God, he began assembling picture frames.
And the Lord blessed the work of his hands.
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Chapter 2 — The Rise of a Kingdom Business
And the business grew, not by chance, nor by cleverness alone, but by the principles of Scripture lived out in the marketplace.
For the Entrepreneurs: Lessons from David’s Ascent
- He built slowly, faithfully, and with integrity, proving that excellence is a form of worship.
- He refused to separate faith from business, showing that the marketplace is also a mission field.
- He tithed from the beginning, demonstrating that generosity precedes multiplication.
- He hired and led with compassion, revealing that people are not assets—they are image-bearers.
And the Lord added to his influence, and Hobby Lobby became a giant in the land, employing tens of thousands and generating billions in revenue.
Yet David did not bow to the idol of success.
For he remembered the words of his youth:
> “To whom much is given, much is required.”
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Chapter 3 — The Test of Conviction
And trials came, as they come to all who walk uprightly.
There were pressures from governments, from courts, from culture, and from the expectations of men.
But David stood firm, saying:
> “As for me and my company, we will serve the Lord.”
He closed his stores on Sundays, though the world mocked him.
He raised wages when others lowered them.
He fought legal battles not for profit, but for conscience.
And the Lord vindicated him.
For the Church: Lessons from David’s Convictions
- Faithfulness is costly, but compromise is costlier.
- Courage is contagious, and one believer’s stand strengthens the whole Body.
- Obedience is worship, even when it happens in boardrooms instead of sanctuaries.
- God honors those who honor Him, though not always in the ways the world expects.
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Chapter 4 — The Legacy of a Steward
And when David grew in years and in wisdom, he looked upon the empire God had entrusted to him.
And he said:
> “This is not mine. It never was. It belongs to God.”
So he gave away ownership of Hobby Lobby—transferring the company into a trust designed to fund ministries, missions, and the advancement of the Gospel for generations.
Not many kings of commerce do such things.
But David was no king—he was a steward.
For Entrepreneurs:
- Wealth is a tool, not a trophy.
- Ownership is temporary; stewardship is eternal.
- The greatest ROI is measured in souls, not dollars.
For the Church:
- God raises up business leaders as much as pastors.
- Kingdom impact requires Kingdom resources.
- Generosity is not an act—it is an identity.
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Chapter 5 — The Spirit’s Charge to Today’s Builders
And now, beloved, the Spirit speaks to the entrepreneurs, innovators, creators, and dreamers of this generation:
> “Do not despise small beginnings.”
> “Build what I place in your heart.”
> “Let your business be a testimony.”
> “Let your success be a seed.”
> “Let your influence be a light.”
For the Lord is raising up a new generation of Marketplace Apostles, Kingdom Builders, and Faith-Filled Founders who will shape culture not by preaching alone, but by creating, leading, and stewarding with excellence.
And the example of David Green stands as a witness to what God can do through one obedient life.
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Final Exhortation — The Benediction of Builders
May the entrepreneurs learn from his discipline.
May the church learn from his devotion.
May the world see Christ through his stewardship.
And may you, reader, rise into your own calling—
whether in the marketplace or the ministry—
with the same courage, humility, and faith.
> “For the earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.”
> —Psalm 24:1
And all God’s builders said,
Amen.