Know Your Client—A Lesson from Jesus, investments, and Sin the Great Joker
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A HUGE thank you to everyone who has gotten a copy of Sin the Great Joker! Seeing your photos and hearing how God is using this book in your life has been truly humbling. Your support means so much! If you haven’t grabbed your copy yet, here’s the link: www.sinthegreatjoker.com
Know Your Client—A Lesson from Jesus, Investment Management, and Sin the Great Joker
Read time 3 minutes
One of the most powerful ways to grow in business, ministry, or any service-oriented work is by truly knowing your client—understanding their needs, struggles, and desires. When you take the time to see beyond transactions and truly connect with people, you build relationships that last.
This principle isn’t just important in faith and service; it was also the number one rule when I worked in investment management. Before making any financial recommendations, we had to thoroughly understand our clients—their goals, financial situations, risk tolerance, and long-term aspirations. Without that knowledge, we couldn’t effectively serve them.
For institutional clients (such as corporations, pension funds, and hedge funds), we conducted Know Your Business (KYB) to evaluate their legal structure, governance, regulatory compliance, and investment objectives.
Both KYC and KYB ensured that we served clients ethically, met regulatory requirements, and provided tailored financial strategies.
Without truly knowing who we are serving, we cannot effectively meet their needs or guide them in the right direction.
The same is true when we seek to share the Gospel, disciple others, and lead them to Christ.
Jesus: The Ultimate Example of Knowing His People
Throughout His ministry, Jesus didn’t just preach general messages—He spoke directly to people’s hearts, addressing their personal struggles and unique situations.
Take the story of the woman at the well (John 4:7-26). Jesus didn’t just offer her water; He knew her story, her brokenness, and her longing for something deeper. He met her where she was, spoke to her needs, and transformed her life—all because He truly understood her.
Jesus saw beyond the woman’s outward reputation and into her deepest spiritual needs. Instead of condemnation, He offered grace, truth, and salvation. This reminds us that Jesus knows our past but calls us into a redeemed future.
When Nathaniel first heard about Jesus, he was skeptical, saying, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (John 1:46). But when Jesus saw him, He declared, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.” Nathaniel was stunned—Jesus had already seen him under the fig tree before they had even met. This moment revealed that Jesus knew him deeply, even before Nathaniel realized it.
Similarly, when Jesus spoke to Peter, He saw not only his bold faith but also his coming failure. Jesus predicted that Peter would deny Him three times (Luke 22:61), yet He also knew Peter’s true calling. After the resurrection, Jesus restored Peter, asking three times, “Do you love Me?” and commissioning him to feed His sheep (John 21:15-17). Jesus didn’t just see Peter’s past mistakes—He saw his future purpose.
When the paralytic man was lowered through the roof by his friends (Mark 2:1-12), Jesus didn’t immediately heal him physically. Instead, He said, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Only later did He heal his body. Jesus understood that the man’s greatest need wasn’t just physical healing—it was spiritual restoration.
Again and again, Jesus knew people’s hearts, struggles, and deepest needs before offering them the truth they needed most. In the same way, we are called to truly know, listen, and care for the people we serve.
Why "Know Your Client" Matters in Business & Ministry
Builds Trust & Loyalty – People are more likely to engage when they feel truly understood.
Leads to Lasting Impact – Whether in business or ministry, deep understanding allows you to meet real needs rather than just offering surface-level solutions.
Strengthens Your Message – When you know who you are serving, you can communicate in ways that resonate and bring transformation.
How to Truly Know Your Client
Ask Questions & Listen Well – In investment management, we asked about investment objectives. In ministry, we ask about spiritual struggles and needs. Jesus often asked, “What do you want me to do for you?” (Mark 10:51). He led with understanding, and we should too.
Observe Patterns & Needs – Just as financial advisors analyze trends, and Jesus noticed the lost, broken, and hungry, we must recognize the patterns in who we are serving—what are they longing for?
Adapt & Personalize – In investing, no two clients are the same. In faith and ministry, no two people’s spiritual journeys are identical. Jesus didn’t have a one-size-fits-all message—He tailored His responses to individuals.
Thoughts to reflect on:
As you reflect on your work, ministry, or interactions, ask yourself:
Do I truly know the people I’m serving?
How can I better listen and respond to their needs?
Knowing Your Client and Responding Well—Trusting God in the Process
When Ron from Charlotte, North Carolina wanted to buy Sin the Great Joker from Barnes & Noble, it wasn’t available there—only on Amazon. But knowing that accessibility matters, I made it my mission to get it on their platform.
Being based in Australia, it took countless emails, verifications, and persistence. Honestly, I wasn’t sure it would go through—but after prayer, follow-ups, and patience, it finally happened!
📢 Ron picked up his book from the bookstore! And now, others can too.
For some, seeing their book in a bookstore is the dream. For me, the real joy was solving a problem for a reader. When we listen, take action, and serve well, doors open in ways we never imagined.
"Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." – Galatians 6:9
Help Spread the Word
Share with Friends, give the Gift of Faith and if you loved the book, please consider giving it a 5-star review. Your feedback helps others discover the book and its message of hope and faith. www.sinthegreatjoker.com
Praying His peace and blessings abound in your life.
