Looking at Ramona’s situation from a biblical point of view, I feel that she should not take the position, contrary to your assessment that “she would have a very hard time finding a company that aligns completely with her Christian worldview.” I agree that Ramona may not find a company that aligns completely with her morals and values, but there are numerous companies and CEOs that are not as concerned with their own personal wealth. In the Book of Matthew, he warns us to watch out for false prophets and not forgive blasphemy (2015). The CEO during his “corporate sermon” was displaying a form of blasphemy by acting similar to a Minister or Pastor. Though I understand that Ramona may be able to overcome these obstacles as a devote Christian,
When people lead business for the kingdom of God it turns into something much more than business ran for the purpose of profit. Milt is part of Partners World Wide, which operates in 26 different countries creating partnerships for companies to obtain capital. He is currently partnered with a Kenyan coffee farm that at some times has +500 employees. Not all of these have been successful either such as his land development venture in Haiti or his Russian start- up Christian University. These failures are lessons as he continues to learn that leading with his heart for God means, growing jobs, give others opportunities, role model and take a stance on lifestyle that others will want to follow, and take joy in looking out for the interest of
I aim to advise the family in a way that honors God and allows them to set up this business in a way that honors God as well. The Bible instructs us all in Colossians 3:23-24 that “whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ” (ESV). The siblings must know that regardless of the business form they choose to operate by, they will be held accountable for this company and its activities. Even though their goal is to choose a business form with limited liability and lower their tax burdens, they will still be responsible to pay taxes and debts owed by the company. Proverbs 27:17 says “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another” (ESV). Alex, Bill, Carl, and Devon will be called upon to sharpen one another to display Christ to others through sound business practices.
The role Christianity has in this organization is customer service is essential and Matthew 10:31 states, “Fear not, therefore; you are more value than many sparrows” (ESV). In the service industry, customer satisfaction is key and the company has to recruit the right people and reward them for there expertise. Colossians 3:23-24 states, “23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (New International Version). Another verse that can be applied in this organization is 1 Peter 4:10, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace”. The company uses the gifts God gives us and pass them on to consumers to benefit from. The
Ramona, California, the simply heart-warming town on the outskirts of San Diego County, should be on the list of sites to see when visiting San Diego. With a friendly face on every corner to a historically rural town, Ramona is an under-rated place that should not be overlooked.
Sometimes, being obedient to God's instructions may not make any sense, but it is important to always acknowledge Him in all ways. Truett Cathy did just that, with his abstract thinking of business operations. Another great fact about Truett Cathy is that he was a servant in heart. He encouraged his employees to go back to school to get a degree in a profession. One of the most outstanding thing he did was providing a foundation, Cathy's WinShape, to fund young people to attend school. He was not only feeding people through service, but he also empowered young people in leadership and to become leaders as well. His success was measured upon his faith in God, therefore he became very consistent in his success. Most importantly, throughout his success he never disowned or did not
Ramona is a young Liberty University graduate that is actively pursuing her first place of employment. She has recently been contacted by an organization that has both positive and negative reviews. As a Christian, Ramona is caught in a hard place to accept a job from this organization and possible jeopardize her Christian credentials. She has requested a council on her future decision. Her recommendation is based on her observations, research and Christian values. The decision is ultimately hers however, she is advised not to take the job and seek employment elsewhere.
Through these nine key concepts, Dr. Grudem illustrates how a variety of business techniques, when implemented in a Godly manner, allow those to pose certain characteristics of God. Grudem isn’t naïve, though. He does, after all, explain that in every aspect of business there are multiple layers of opportunities to give glory to God, as well as multiple temptations to sin (Grudem, 2003, p. 17). He is also aware about the easy ways these activities can be perverted and used as a means to sin ("Business for the," 2003). This book is tailored to echo God’s glory in relation to correlation with employees, co-workers, customers, and other businesses involved in the business unity. Furthermore, it does not only promote a positive impact within the business realm, but also in the personal realm of one’s life in business.
One of the first questions that needs to be addressed, is what the goal of a Christian financial manager is in a corporate setting? I believe that the goal of the Christian financial manager is to earn money for the company, while at the same time demonstrating an attitude of service to everyone they come in contact with (Chewning, 1990, p. 15). In the Bible, it tells us that we are supposed to treat other people the way that we would want to be treated, and that includes in the financial work place (Luke 6:31 English Standard Bible). As a Christian financial manager, the goal should be to treat everyone with respect. This is more important than making as much money as possible. However, it is not just about the financial manager, but it is also about the organization as a whole. A Christian financial manager should look at the workplace before they decide to work
The idea of the preacher as a businessperson seems at odds with the traditional view of spirituality and the mental picture that some people have of the way that a church should operate. Preachers are communicators. They exist to guide and communicate with their parishioners. The most materially successful ones find a way to bring people in. Natural charisma, good looks and powerful diction help to draw people to the leaders. Once the leader has a following, they can start their own movement. Movements lead to changes, it’s a natural order. Take for instance the career path of popular minister Deitrick Haddon. Haddon was based in Detroit, married, and a popular recording artist. He preached his first sermon at the age of ten, and became a local prodigy. In 2011 he moved to Los Angeles, and it was revealed that he was expecting a baby with a girlfriend. He filed for divorce from his wife and co-pastor, amid claims of infidelity on behalf of both parties. A former mistress came forward claiming to have engaged in a relationship with him in 2008. Personal leaked nude photos appeared on the internet soon after. His ministry and recording career suffered as a result of his personal scandals. He remarried and is now currently one of the stars of the popular, highly rated Oxygen network reality show, Preachers of LA.
Many managers and executives receive compensation for their work and for driving the profitability of the company. However, the pressures to perform possibly creates an urgency to commit fraud in achieving those goals. Lanen, Anderson, & Maher (2014) notes the managers and executives commit fraud when a “combination of pressure, incentive, opportunity, and environment” induces the situation (p. 471). Performing in the role of a manager or executive may provide an enormous amount of pressure to produce, however, Christians are required to follow the teachings of the Bible in everything we do. Unfortunately, not everyone is a Christian following the Lord’s will and are more concerned with making money anyway possible, including illegally. Psalm 36:4 says, “Even on their beds they plot evil; they commit themselves to a sinful course and do not reject what is wrong”
People are created in the image of God and by design all people belong to God. The people who have chosen to accept God’s promise belong to God forever. Psalm twenty-four is a praise to God, “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it”. Everything belongs to God, our life, materials, business, relationships, absolutely everything. God cares deeply about our wealth and health. However, the sin that corrupts our bodies and minds, and there is no guarantee that the Christian business person will prosper. The core of true life is in
The New Testament leaders are an example of how church leaders of today should also behave and work[8]. They ought to be able to teach, guide the believers in the way of God and nurture their spiritual gifts. The New Testament leaders had to boldly defend the word of God in case of any false teaching. Basing on this New Testament leadership, it is important to make sure that any believer appointed to the leadership office has the laid down qualifications[9].
Countries disintegrate, place of worship and corporation fail, people become dysfunctional, descendants lose their direction, and mankind drift from God on behalf of one distracting reason; insufficiency of leadership. These disappointments are often for the reason that of the deficiency of instruction, appropriate leadership, and misperception on what Christian leadership subsists and exactly how that leadership is pertinent to every component of professional and personal life. From a Christian worldview perspective, Psalm 112:5 explains, “A good man deals graciously and lends; He will guide his affairs with discretion” (NKJ). A Christian manager should always keep in mind that bounteousness and admiration for God, demonstrates that one has placed trust in Him, and not our material possessions.
Wayne Grudem wrote the book ‘Business for the Glory of God,’ this book is based on biblical teachings. The book discusses issues such as ownership, productivity, employment, commercial transactions, profit, money, inequality of possessions, competition, borrowing and lending, attitudes of heart and effect on world poverty from a biblical standpoint, each are “fundamentally good and provides many opportunities for glorifying God but also many temptations to sin.” (Grudem, 2003, p. 19) Grudem claims that business can glorify God. He states “I am going to argue that many aspects of business activity are
An organization guided by Christian principles will build a structural solid foundation. As a follower of Christ, “communication” is [essentially] required to fulfill the responsibility of advocating Christianity. In a business setting the benefit of applying Christian values to provide guidance that will affirm the foundations of an organization. The philosophy of promoting growth and sustainability with any establishment is to follow the organization's vision and mission. Smith (2011) expresses the importance of fulfilling one’s purpose with God by building interpersonal relationships, “Indeed we can only hope to fulfill our vocations if we learn the grace and strength of working with others in