Eternal profit?

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6: 19-21)

There is a reward for Kingdom investment, a reward with eternal value. As the great song Amazing Grace says, “when we’ve been there 10,000 years……”. What a great perspective, for our life is so short compared with our eternal life.  The value of what we do and the reward for what we do, and how we spend and where we invest, should reflect the temporal nature of our earthly existence.

Quick Prayer. “Remind me of all that is important from an eternal perspective.” Amen

Need some insight?

“And if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.” (Proverbs 2:3)

Imagine the smartest guys in the world all in the same room? The business worlds who’s who. Buffet, Jobs, Gates, Morgan, whoever you want. You have absolute access. How exciting would that be?

We have access to a mind, an understanding, a power of change, a foreseer of all, with an infinite capacity, and all the time and individual attention we want. Yet sometimes we loose the comprehension of such access. It cost a lot. More than money can buy. Let’s not take it for granted.

There is an essence in the scripture that understanding and wisdom need to be toiled for, as searching for gold, or silver. There is a measure of discipline, sweat, dedication and work required. Will we pay the price for insight beyond our realm of understanding? Will we seek the wisdom of God? Wow, what a privilege to have access to to the throne room of unfathomable grace.

Quick Prayer. “Please give me insight into those things that prevail against me.” Amen

Do you know the way forward?

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” (Proverbs 14:12)

Sometimes our natural tendencies can come to the fore. Pausing to seek God’s wisdom can often shift our view, and may save us from an unseen consequence. It is worth considering that we are not always right ad that God has a better view.

When we belong to God we are in His Kingdom, under His jurisdiction. To prosper in this realm we need to follow the auspices of the King. Doing it God’s way should be our prime modus operandi, even when it doesn’t make worldly sense. But occasionally we need some specific insight. Asking God and expecting an answer is part and parcel of a walk with a personal saviour.

Quick Prayer. “Show me your way Lord, that I may walk in it.” Amen

Is God with you in the ordinary?

“Avodah”.

Avo…what? “Avodah” is a Hebrew word that occurs regularly in scripture. It is at the foundation of all that it is to serve and praise our God. The word is translated as WORSHIP and it’s other meaning is WORK.

Work and worship, could they be the same thing? Your work place is your place of worship. As you serve God in excellence and learn to see him in all you do you worship.

Brother Lawrence was a lowly monk in the 17th Century who ‘practiced the presence of God’. He found worship on serving others and the simplest of tasks. His letters are now part of the pivotal writings of church history and of how to walk with God at work. His real name was Nicholas Herman, which sounds less spiritual and says more about who he really was. But Nick found he could sense God’s presence in the mundane and the menial; that is true worship.

The truth of God doesn’t date. It is eternal. That work and worship are the same word say’s it all. Avodah!

Quick Prayer. “Help me to worship, and see You, in all I do.” Amen

Have you asked your staff recently?

“Jesus stopped and questioned him, “What do you want me to do for you”.” (Luke 18:40-41.)

You are in a position of authority, and despite you being accessible, many will be intimidated by your position. If you ask, “what can I do for you?, you give opportunity to others to respond. It may very well help them do their part in the company.

Often the simple things are forgotten, yet can be easily changed or given, to adequately resource your people. We all liked to be asked even if we don’t need anything. It shows that someone cares about our opinion.

Jesus is asking us the same question. He is able to change any situation and provide any resource, meet any need and He is asking; “What do you want me to do for you?” Go ahead; ask.

Quick Prayer. “Help me to remember to ask.” Amen

Are you a Promise Keeper?

“It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay.” (Ecclesiastes 5:5.)

Our integrity is always demonstrated by what we say. Do we offer more than we can deliver? Paint a picture that is over rosy? Dangle a carrot in front of our staff that will be hard to meet? The scripture says our yes should be yes and our no, no. No grey, just black and white.

Sometimes it is not easy to say it like it is. Often when circumstances change we struggle to meet our commitments. Perhaps we should do what we said we will do and let God sort out the consequences. He will honour a stand that is done inline with His requirements of us.

We can live by the word of God and keep our promises, and run a successful, growing profitable influential business.

Quick Prayer. “Jesus, you always demonstrated absolute integrity, help me to walk like you.” Amen

How do you treat your Suppliers?

“So the craftsman encourages the smelter, and he who smoothes metal with the hammer encourages him who beats the anvil.” (Isaiah 41:7.)

Now this is an interesting question! Are you brutal and over demanding of those who supply you goods and services? Isn’t that good business practice, extract the last possible cent from those you do business with? The bible shows us a more synergistic relationship of mutual respect and encouragement.

Long term relationships built on an understanding of shared profitability, can be priceless as cycles move, and pricing power shifts up and down supply chains. Building those relationships on respect and going to the extent of encouraging our suppliers, is doing business God’s way. The vary fact that it would not normally happen very often, ensures you stand out, become a customer of choice, demonstrate a different approach and represent the God you profess to serve.

Quick Prayer. “Help me to demonstrate your grace to my suppliers.” Amen

Can your company see clearly?

“No longer do I call you slaves; for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.” (John 15:15.)

Openness and transparency, a question of culture and leadership style, or a spiritual mandate? Control is often an illusion. Those that are too controlling move people from commitment to mere compliance, and often to passive if not overt resistance.

Openness, transparency and free communication come with a set of risks, which are far outweighed by the trust and positive productivity that they engender. Engagement to a clear vision and open communication are a powerful cultural mix.

Innovation, creativity, customer service, and productivity, are all increased in an environment of trust and empowerment. If people don’t know what’s going on, they will make it up anyway; they might as well talk abut what is really happening.

Quick Prayer. “Jesus, help me to open up and be secure in you, and more open with others.”