Business
In this week's episode, we dive into one of a two-part series about how God expects us, the Christian Entrepreneur, to carry ourselves as an employer/manager. Business is a full contact sport. Many issues arise, and in multiple areas. We look at just five areas where God has something to say in terms of how we may show up in the world as an employer-divinepreneur. In the area of employee relation, we are charged in 1. Cor 9 to pay our employees fairly. In a highly competitive marketplace, we must not only pay fairly but likely more than fairly to entire, and keep talent. Col. 4: 1 says, "Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven." We should aim for holiness in every business transaction. Business is hard enough. But we must separate ourselves from any wrongdoing, sneakiness, or malfeasance, or even the appearance of such because we work for an awesome God! Ultimately, we are a testimony through our labor. And people can tell. 2 Cor. 7:1 says, "Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God." When it comes to communications, we should do so graciously and truthfully. Col. 4: 6 - Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Prov. 15:1 - A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. In employee conflict resolution, communication is crucial. In investigating any allegation of employee misconduct, we must verify accusations (1 Tm 5:19 - Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses.) We must also listen to all sides. (James 1: 19 - My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry) Running a business also requires keeping up with our financial and legal obligations. Rom 13:6-8 reminds us that "This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor." The Word of God also addresses the employer's responsibility to care for his/her own family as well as for the poor and weak. Rom 12:13 - Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Gal. 2: 10 - All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I had been eager to do all along. 1 Tim. 5:8 - Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. Finally, we would do well to be reminded that we are managing our business for God. We should be mindful of the long term implications of our decisions. Where there is no vision, the people perish. (Prov. 29:18) Blessings, Shiuyaright