Recently a business associate shared an article with me entitled “Good Guys’ built U.S. powerhouse” (The Tennessean, Sunday 9-20-2009, by Joe Scarlett). In general, it discussed how our nation and our economy has been victimized by a small group of “bad guys” who really did some very bad things. He points out that we should not let the actions of this minority of business leaders condemn a great system built by many ethical and honest business leaders over the years.
The article had five points that demonstrate the path followed by the “good guys” that led to their success. As I read these five points of success, I realized they followed a pattern that we as Christians should be familiar with as we strive to live our lives day by day.
1) “Taking a long-term view of their business”
II Cor. 5:1 Our long-term view is of our eternal home in heaven.
John 14:2-3 I go to prepare a place for you, where I am there ye may be also.
2) “Practicing “servant leadership,” always placing others’ needs above their own”
John 13:14-16 Jesus taught his disciples that he came to be a servant, and he left them an example to follow in being servants to others.
Phil. 2:2-3 Paul teaches us to be like-minded and to put the needs of our brothers before our own.
3) “Following the Golden Rule and treating other people the same way they themselves would want to be treated”
Matt. 7:12 Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Gal. 5:14 Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.
4) “Recognizing that team-work and strong business partnerships are essential”
Mark 6: 7, 12 And he called the twelve and began to send them forth two by two.
Acts 13: 2-3 And they separated Paul and Barnabas for the work where unto they had been called.
Heb. 10: 24-25 Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together.
5) “Observing the highest levels of ethical and moral conduct”
II Cor. 8: 21 Providing for honest things not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.
Phil. 4: 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
If we will follow these principles, as outlined in God’s word, we may not be the most successful business leader, we may not attain great wealth in this world, but by having that long-term view of eternity, we will receive the reward of those mansions prepared for us in heaven.
–David Coleman
Sunday Morning In-Person Service is Canceled