Thursday, December 11, 2008

Business Bondage


Some practical business advice from the Bible (taken from Crown)

How to identify business bondage
by Crown Financial Ministries

Financial bondage applies to more than just indebtedness. Certainly those who owe more than they can pay are in bondage. However, those who have a large surplus and live in fear, pride, or with an inflated ego are also in bondage. Literally, financial bondage is anything material that interferes with our relationship with God.

Business bondage symptoms
Symptom 1. Overcommitment to work or success
"It is vain for you to rise up early, to retire late, to eat the bread of painful labors; for He gives to His beloved even in his sleep" (Psalm 127:2). Overcommitment to business is usually a sign of fear--specifically the fear of failure. A Christian often will rationalize an overcommitment because "it's for my family." However, when put to a vote, most wives and children would decide otherwise.

Symptom 2. An air of superiority
The apostle Paul said, "That in us you may learn not to exceed what is written, so that no one of you might become arrogant in behalf of one against the other" (1 Corinthians 4:6). There is no greater deterrent to a consistent walk with the Lord than false pride and self-elevation. Those in positions of authority must exercise great caution to maintain the proper balance. According to God’s Word, authority actually means responsibility. The single example of perfect leadership was Christ. He consistently told His followers that He came to serve, not to be served. By showing kindness and concern, He did not weaken His authority. "But the greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted" (Matthew 23:11-12).

Symptom 3. Selfishness/Indulgence
"Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries which are coming upon you. Your riches have rotted and your garments have become moth-eaten" (James 5:1-2). A commercial for a luxury car once showed a late night scene in an office parking lot and a haggard executive (the last one to leave) walking up to his expensive car saying, "Sure I’ve had to sacrifice a lot, but I’ve earned the right to the best." What that commercial didn’t show is that, in real life, that executive is often working on a second marriage, has undisciplined kids, and is desperately trying to indulge himself to prove that it has all been worth it. "You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures" (James 4:3).

Symptom 4. Confusion/Disorganization
"The sluggard does not plow after the autumn, so he begs during the harvest and has nothing" (Proverbs 20:4). Almost a total contrast to the overcommitted workaholic are Christian businesspeople who apply themselves at the minimal level. They’re content to operate with sloppy records and poor work quality, and they exist in a mediocre society without a real Christian testimony. Christians are instructed to be excellent in everything they do. "Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men" (Colossians 3:23).

Conclusion
A Christian whose business involvement preempts God’s greater plan for his or her life is in bondage. It really doesn’t matter that the efforts are materially successful or that large sums are given to God’s work. God never has been impressed by our worldly successes. What He wants is our obedience to His will for our lives. "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth" (Matthew 6:24).

2 comments:

  1. Too much to read but I'm sure it's amazing. Thanks Matt for giving us some insight on this

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  2. Enhance your brain dude! :) Well worth the read for the busy or not so busy businessman

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