Biblical Business Principles
I have studied the Bible for years and have often read the words for encouragement, consolation, improvement, and inspiration. I have also found that it contains the best principles to build a successful business. The following principles will help any leader grow their business and kingdom impact so they will be able to hear the words “Well done” both in this life and the next.
Principle #1 — Always take the second step.
Go a little further. Always do more than anticipated and expected. Surprise others by paying attention to the little things that others don’t. Be different.
A principle that is helpful in building a life and a business is the principle of going the second mile. Good companies develop a second-mile mentality. Jesus himself gives this principle in Matthew 5:41 (New Century Version): “If someone forces you to go with him one mile, go with him two miles.”
Jesus tells his followers to separate themselves from the culture to help others to see Him more clearly. In business, we also need to separate ourselves so that others can see our business more clearly. Too many companies expect second-mile results without giving second-mile effort. It is always a good idea to do more than expected.
Principle #2 — The Golden Rule works if you work it.
Think of others first. Treat others like you want to be treated. Practice thoughtfulness. When you think of the customers, they will think of you.
A helpful principle on which to build a business is found in Luke 6:31. This verse, which is known as the Golden Rule, states that we should “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Many great businesses use this principle. J.C. Penny used it to grow his business into a thriving corporation. He once was quoted as having said, “I cannot remember a time when the Golden Rule was not my motto and precept, the torch that guided my footsteps.” The wise business leader and business will always treat others as they would like to be treated.
Companies that don’t think of their customers will not be thought of by their customers.
Principle #3 — Focus on profit with a purpose
Every successful business creates profit. It’s often said you don’t have a business until you have profit. However, Christian leaders understand that the wrong profit can be damaging.
A biblical principle Christian leaders should follow is to generate profit with a purpose. Jesus asked his followers in Mark 8:36 “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” This verse teaches a powerful principle that every Christian leader should follow.
Principle #4 — Mean your “yes” and “no.”
Great decisiveness is a key to influential leadership. People cannot follow a person that does not know where they are going or why.
Jesus gives a secret to leaders in Matthew 5:36–37: “And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.”
The power to say yes or no quickly means that you know where you are going and what you are trying to accomplish. Make your words mean something. Develop and build trust relationships by conveying to others that they can count on you and your commitments. Many leaders lose their influence with others because they commit to aspirational yesses.
Principle #5 — Make the move from owner to overseer.
An essential shift for Christian business owners is moving from ownership to stewardship. Jesus told a story in Matthew 25 about a faithful servant. He ends the story in verse 23 with, “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’”
“Well done.” Two of the most powerful words in the English language. It should be the desire of every Christian business owner to hear these words at the end of their journey.
Principle #6 — Trust the law of sowing and reaping.
Laws of life can be trusted because they have been proven through time. Successful businesses know and trust the law of sowing and reaping. 2 Corinthians 9:6 states that “whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.”
The NLT translates it this way: “Remember this — a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop.” Don’t be afraid of starting with a small seed. The harvest you are reaping today is from the seeds you planted yesterday. Another part of the Bible reminds us we will reap what we sow. Therefore, sow bountifully and be on a constant lookout to reap your harvest.
Principle #7 — Believe and ask for the impossible.
Everything great starts with a dream. The world is better when people dream big and believe that impossible things can happen.
Challenge yourself to ask “what if” questions and use your imagination to see the world in new ways. People desire to be with leaders and organizations that have big visions. Ephesians 3:20–21 says, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
God wants to do things that amaze you. Dream big and ask God to do more than you ask or dream. A big vision inspires and attracts. Supersize your thoughts and your beliefs.
Principle #8 — Build to the fourth generation.
Don’t waste time building things that won’t last the test of time. Building on the right foundation will help your business stand through the storms of market changes.
A key to building a great business is to act with integrity in all situations. Integrity means doing the right thing in all situations at all times. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “The time is always right to do what is right.” He might have taken his inspiration from the words of Proverbs 4:25–27: “Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.”
Businesses that are built on a solid foundation are built to last generations. Companies that lack a solid foundation are built on slippery ground that can crumble at any time.
Our destiny unfolds in the future, but it is shaped by the decisions we make today.
Principle #9 — Know the order of things and work the order.
In Matthew 6:33, Jesus gives his followers a powerful principle to follow. He says, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” The first three words of this verse are very instructive. A great principle to practice in business is to focus on first things. When a leader understands the order of things, things can become easier to understand.
A leader must be clear and push for clarity. Make God and His principles your top priority. Trust His order and seek first His kingdom.
Principle #10 — Improve your team to improve your organization.
You need a team around you to inspire you to build something bigger than you could build alone. No great leader ever led alone. Find your passion and add passionate people to your team. A passionate person is worth four regular people; plus they just perform better!
Ephesians 2:10 states, “You are God’s workmanship who has been created to do good works that God has prepared in advance.” This verse reminds the Christian business leader they have been formed with a purpose. In fact, not only have they been formed with a purpose, every person on their team has, too.
When a company figures out the gifts and passions of its people, and taps into those passions, productivity increases.
Principle #11 — Do things today that will impact today andtomorrow.
A principle that has shaped many businesses and leaders is Matthew 6:21: “Where your treasure is, there is where your heart will be also.”
“Investment” is another word for treasure. Leaders are called upon to make many investments. A leader must use the company’s resources to make the right investments in the people and infrastructure. When businesses are invested in wisely, they grow.
Principle #12 — Work toward “well done.”
Building a business on biblical principles requires a change of perspective. One essential attitude for Christian leaders is to practice excellence at all times and in all situations.
Paul wrote these critical words in Colossians 3:23–24: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” He was reminding Christian leaders of the higher calling that is on their lives. Christians are not called to do work that is average, but with excellence in a way that honors God. When you work toward excellence in everything, you are on your way to hearing “well done” from your employees, your customers, and your God.
Excellent work is eternal work.
Ken Gosnell
Ken Gosnell is CEO and Servant Leader of CXP (CEO Experience). CXP is a premier coaching and executive roundtable business that serves Christian CEOs in Washington DC, Maryland and Florida. Ken serves leaders by helping them and their teams to have great experiences that both transform the leader and their organizations to go further faster. He has worked with hundreds of CEOs and their leadership teams to enhance their strategic, operational and people accomplishments. He is a recognized author and member of the Forbes Coached Council.
