How To Find a Business Based on Sound Biblical Principles.

by: Michael Klerck

Many people who adhere to Biblical principles in their lives believe that one should work only for a Christian company. I am not altogether sure this is necessarily what God intended.

I think it is important, though, to make sure the product you are selling and the business plan you are implementing are based on sound Biblical principles themselves.

Let's take a look at what this should mean. First The Product.

In all of God's dealings with mankind, in every single commandment, injunction, encouragement or instruction, one can always find two important principles:

1. We are his children and he wants us to grow, be edified, uplifted and healthy in every way ' physically and spiritually. Every day. At no time does God suggest that He or the Universe, or angels around us should take time off from helping, healing and encouraging mankind!

It therefore stands to reason that whatever product you are marketing should follow this principle. When He told Moses to tell us not to kill, it was because he wanted those around us to thrive as well, and they can't do this on Earth when they are dead. When He told him to instruct us not to steal, it was because He respected and wanted us to respect the property of those around us. He knew also, that adding to, rather than taking away from others always benefit us. He always wants us to grow and be uplifted. Educational products help people find their destiny in life, and place those people on course to fulfil the mission they have worked out with God themselves, or the mission they have been called to do. You can say the same for nutritional products that uplift the body, or vacations that bring families together. Would you be happy selling food that you know has an abnormally high fat content, a large number of food additives, food colorant and harmful chemicals? You should not be. Find something that directly benefits (from the Latin word, bene, meaning good) your customers.

2. Whatever our actions, purpose or destiny, they should promote, further and enrich the four relationships. These are the relationship with Him, with ourselves, with our loved ones and friends, and with the environment. Are you selling products that directly and knowingly harm the environment? Does a product alienate family members, break down contact between people and cause division? Then they are obviously not Biblically sound. If any relationship; any, is harmed in any way, the product cannot adhere to sound Biblical principles. Choose one that does.

The Business Plan itself. Once again this should encourage the above. I have always had a problem with direct, confrontational and alienating competition. It is heartening to see companies and people forming links, affiliations and partnerships with one another, individuals and communities. You should be choosing a business plan that actively encourages this.

When you become more wealthy, do those directly below and around you also benefit? Do your colleagues share in your good fortune and blessing? Does the business model allow for this? If not, then it could be alienating. Does it leave people feeling discouraged, or does it edify and help people become more?

One of the reasons I enjoy network marketing is that its business model is based on the encouragement of those around you. In fact the best network marketing pay plans are those that give you less commission or incentive on your immediate downline, and double or more on the level below your downline. Why? Simply because when you are getting 15% to sign someone up on your second level and only 5% on your first, this motivates you to empower and assist the person below you. It is therefore a clever plan and business model that adheres to the Biblical principle of edifying and uplifting those around you.

There is nothing more hollow than top executives earning $30 million and more a year while the very clerks and administrative staff; often the ones who woo and keep the customers coming back, are left behind. I do not believe this is Biblical at all. Giving, and uplifting is Biblical. Taking is not.

Find a product that assists your customers in their own relationships, and then a business model that encourages and motivates those around you, all the time. It's that simple. Try, each day, to give more than you take. Everyone knows how love works. Business can work in the same way too. Applying this important principle can mean a flood of blessing and wealth coming your way.

It has to. That's the way God designed His own marketing system.