BIBLICAL BUSINESS PRINCIPLES AND PRECAUTIONS FOR CHRISTIAN BUSINESS OWNERS


Principle No 1: God owns it all: [/b]As a business owner, it is easy to think you are the boss and everything you owns belongs to you. Knowing God owns it all, you will strive to do everything for His glory and Sean business practices and ethics that are not pleasing to God (Haggai 2:8 ; Psalm 50:10; Deuteronomy 8:18). See your business as a means to further the gospel and the kingdom of God. Use it as a platform to witness to others.

[b]Principle *No.2:* *Be a Value-Giver:* We should create great products and services that we would gladly purchase ourselves (Exodus 28:6; Exodus 31:4 Romans 12:11). Being excellent at what we do is a fantastic way to honour God and to love our neighbours. Do unto others as you want them to do to you (Matthew 7:12).

Principle *No 3:* *Take action and work hard.* [/b]Do not just talk about starting a business, or changing your current marketing strategy - take action (Proverbs 12:24; 22:29). Also, do not just complain about something when it is not working well. Go and fix it. If you are trying to reach financial independence through starting a business, working hard will help propel you towards that ,(Proverbs 10:4;14).

[b]Principle *No 4:* *Wisdom.* You need wisdom to make the right decisions for your business, so you can avoid making irreversible or costly mistakes (James 1:5). Do not be afraid to pray for wisdom or be too proud to seek God's direction for your business (Proverbs 4:7; Psalm 37:23)

Principle *No 5:* *Humility.* [/b]To relate well with people especially clients or customers, you must remain humble and approachable (Proverbs 11:2; James 4:6).

[b]Principle *No 6:* *The right business skills* To grow your business you have to be skillful (2Chronicles 2:. Thankfully, it is possible to learn new skills, so there is no reason not to acquire the skills required.

Principle *No 7:* *The right tools and resources*. [/b]For example, are there tools that can increase your productivity? Do you need a website to reach more people? Do you need to invest in some business technology? These are the types of questions you should ask yourself from time to time if you want to keep growing your business (Proverbs 18:15)

[b]Principle *No 8:* *Make money honesty.* [/b]Do not cheat, lie to, or scam people out of their money. Build up your business little by little (Proverbs 13:11) Do not be greedy of gain.

[b]Principle *No 9:* *Be bold and get ready to meet with people of like passion.* You will need to relate with people in similar business and from other walks of Life, various societal status/class, etc. You should be articulate in your presentations and negotiations (Proverbs 28:1; Ecclesiastes 8:1; 2Timothy 1:7).

CAUTIONS FOR CHRISTIAN BUSINESS OWNERS

Business ownership can become detrimental to one's spiritual life if it becomes an idol or if the business owner is serving Mammon rather than God (Luke 12:16-21; Luke 16:13). Some business owners become so immersed in work that they neglect family, friends, their health, and the Lord. When anything takes our total focus for an extended period of time, it can shift our lives out of balance (1Timothy 6:10). So Christian business owners must work to keep priorities straight and remember that a business with God's blessing will fare better than one without it (Proverbs 10:22; 1Corinthians 14:40). The Lord will not tolerate our idols, so a business owner owner must work to keep success from becoming more important than anything else (Exodus 20:4).

When a business owner's motive is selfish or sin-based, the business will not enjoy God's blessing and may become a hindrance to God's plan for the owner's life (Jeremiah 18:9-10)


RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL 17TH APRIL, 2022