Many factors that play an important role in the business world also play a comparably important role in daily life. The factors that lead to a successful life also play a key role in a thriving business. In life and business, difficult decisions must be made for the benefit of the person or organization. The Bible offers a blueprint to follow for long-term success in our daily lives, as well as, in our careers. Our Lord and Savior wants every one of his children to live their life in his name. To be able to utilize principles such as honesty and integrity, in the face of disparity and shortcomings is what the bible teaches us. These same traits are relevant in a successful corporation.
While it is important as a manager to achieve worldly success, as Christian leaders we are held to a higher standard of performance. How we achieve success is just as important as how much success we achieve. By behaving ethically, treating others fairly, and being an example of Christ’s love to those we encounter, we are bettering the world and extending our influence beyond the business world. As Christian leaders, we should be working to improve the lives of those around us rather than merely increasing shareholder value and turning a profit. Jesus sought out the downtrodden and destitute, specifically the “poor in spirit” (Matthew 5:3, New International Version). Some theologians interpret the poor in many New Testament verses as both financially poor as well as those that could not participate fully in their society due to discrimination and exclusion (Beed & Beed, 2013). It is our job as leaders to measure our success by how much influence and assistance we can give to those in our communities who are neglected and powerless, just as Jesus did during his ministry on Earth.
References
Beed, C., & Beed, C. (2013). Recent Christian interpretations of material poverty and inequality in the developed world. Journal of Markets & Morality, 16(2), 407.
New American Bible Revised Edition (2010). American Bible Society. Philadelphia, PA