The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Sometimes that verse from 1 Timothy 6 is misquoted as “money is the root of all evil.” It’s not money itself, it’s the love of money that is the root of all kinds of evil – not all evil. That’s an important distinction when it comes to business. Business is not evil. Money is not evil. But, if not put in its proper perspective, the drive of money in business can drive people to evil (even though they might not realize it!). It is Essential for the Godly Leader to be mindful of this.
I had a friend in a small group tell me one time that he was forced to fudge numbers and cut corners to make the bottom line look better and keep investors happy. As a Christ-follower, he was convicted. I had another friend tell me one time that lying in sales was just part of the job – get used to it. As a committed Christ-follower, he couldn’t get used to it.
From time to time this fall in the Essential Godly Leadership blog, we’re going to revisit different aspects of how business is affected by God’s Word. Today we start with what it means to be a Godly Leader in the Business World.
#1 – YOUR BUSINESS PRACTICES REFLECT CHRIST.
As Christians, “little Christs”, we are to reflect Jesus in all that we do and who we are. When your co-workers, customers and bosses look at your business and personal practices do they see:
- A servant’s heart.
- A man or woman of character, integrity and complete honesty.
- A continual learner.
- A prayer warrior.
If they see a white-lier, a me-first leader, a know-it-all leader, then that is not a reflection of Christ. Proverbs 4:24 is just one verse that is an example of this when it directs Godly Leaders to “put away from you a deceitful mouth and put devious lips far from you.” My prayer is that your lips, your life, your thoughts and your actions are a reflection of and a pointing to Jesus.
#2 – YOU SEEK ACCOUNTABILITY.
A board and a staff are not the type of accountability I’m referring to with this point. It’s important to have checks and balances for sure on the business side of your world. But I’m talking about the person, Godly side of your business leadership and life. Who is asking you the hard questions of your life and business? Who is praying for you and your business regularly? Who can you ask advice of and counsel from that will be coming from a Godly perspective? A spouse can be a key part of your accountability plan, but shouldn’t be the totality of your accountability plan. It is Essential for the Godly Leader to have a regular accountability system and people in place.
#3 – YOU MAKE GREAT WIDGETS.
In other words, you go real good work at whatever you do. Colossians 3:17 reminds us that “whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” You should have great yelp reviews for your service. You should have a fair product at a fair prices. You should be known for high customer service. Which fast food company is known for their outstanding food and customer service? Chick fil a! The foundational reason why is their desire to reflect Christ in and through their business.
#4 – YOU APPLY THE GOLDEN RULE.
Whether it’s your customers, your co-workers, your network or your suppliers, treat them as you would want to be treated applying the Golden Rule. Matthew 7:12 says, “so in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Put another way, this sums up what is Essential and what it means to be a Godly Leader in the business world.
Friend, you don’t have a price. Don’t allow your Godliness to be sold for any price. Rather, with a servant’s heart and in complete honesty live in your businessworld the way that Jesus would want you to.
We could talk a lot more on this topic, but we’ll leave it there for now. What are your thoughts or questions? Leave them in the comments. If you found this blog helpful or thought-provoking, please subscribe below to receive a new weekly blog in your email on Tuesday morning. Also, if you think this blog would be helpful for others, please share it on social media or tell a few friends about it!
Love being on this Essential Godly Leadership journey with you!
Essential Godly Leadership: “Leading your life, your family, your work, your relationships, and your world in a way that is seeking wisdom from, and pleasing to, the Lord Jesus.”