Leviticus 19:13 (NKJV)
13 ‘You shall not cheat your neighbor, nor rob him. The wages of him who is hired shall not remain with you all night until morning.
Some people say Business is Business. Is that their way of saying the can set their values aside in order to complete a transaction at any cost. People use the excuse that business is business to justify actions they take which they know are not the best.
In the book of Leviticus, God tells us not to cheat our neighbor. Also, we are to pay wages promptly. The Lord wants us to do justly. Getting ahead at someone else’s expense violates God’s will.
Can you separate your personal values from your business values? Is it OK to do whatever it takes to make a buck? Would you want someone to lose their ethics when they are waiting on you? As a follower of Jesus, I try to live by His Word and treat others like I want to be treated. Years ago, I decided I wanted to take my beliefs and values into the business world with me and live like Jesus taught me to live. Many in the world do not want to hear the truth even if it is spoken in love.
My friend Jon teaches a seminar called Business is Personal. He, like me, figured out that we cannot be one kind of person and a different kind of business person. When you stick by your values, given you by God, you act in a truthful and consistent manner. It takes time but people learn they can trust you. Will you be perfect? Absolutely not! But you can accept responsibility and make good on your shortcomings. The other day, I worked on a network wiring project. I goofed and drilled a hole through the neighbor’s wall. They were gone for the day so I could not tell them but I was returning the next day and would let them know then. When I came in, they had discovered the hole. I told them it was my fault and I would take care of it. I think they were shocked that I took responsibility. Tomorrow, I will be patching their wall. I will make things right. That is what the Lord asks of us. He asks us to do justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with our God. The neighbor is entitled to be made whole by my repair of their wall. My values demand it. Now, I will do it! It’s my reputation on the line. You see, business is personal. Oh yeah, you can be sure they will brag to their friends about this crazy guy who drilled a hole in their wall but then came back to make things right. I might even get a referral out of it. Do not cheat your neighbor and take care of things promptly. It will give you peace and a good reputation. Proverbs 22:1 (CEV) says “A good reputation and respect are worth much more than silver and gold.” It tells people who you are and whose you are. You gain that reputation by following God’s word which will never lead you astray.
Lord, thank You that You lead us in Your ways and help us live honorable lives. Help us to bring the values You taught us into our everyday business and all of life. Teach us how to love our neighbors and respect everyone. In Your name we pray! Amen!