A Simple Plan to Reflect God in Your Business Today

A simple concept.  A simple post. A simple plan.

How can we reflect God in our business today?

Jesus tried to simplify it when he gave us the Golden Rule:

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: ” ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”  Matthew 22: 36-40

Keep It Simple

If we keep it simple and follow these two commandments, we may have a day at work like this:

Prayer

I get to the office an hour early.  It is quiet and I can get settled.  I start by walking through the office praying.  I want this place to be filled with the Holy Spirit.  I walk by desks and offices praying for each individual.  Something specific or general, depending on the need.

I end up on my knees in my office praying for the Holy Spirit to guide me and work through me today.  I pray He will provide the clients what they need.

This is my time with God.  Private.

Thanks

As others arrive I am engaged with work. Employees and customers here my random mumblings,

“Thank you Lord.”  (When the purchase order finally arrives.)

“Sorry Lord.”  (When my wit leans to the side of sarcasm.)

“Please Father God!” (When ADP says their is a glitch and we may not get payroll checks cut.)

Love Others as We Love Ourselves

I have much to do and get right to it.  But I remember that I am here for relationship and to love others as myself.  What does this look like?

When I am interrupted (and if I allow it) I fully stop what I am doing and give the person my full attention.  I am present with them in the moment.  After all, that’s what I would want someone to do with me.

I walk around and check on other team members.  I ask them about what they are working on and really listen to the answer.  I try to help if there is a need or connect them to resources.  Sometimes I just say an encouraging word.  Wouldn’t that be nice from the boss!

I keep a list of all of the people who work here.  I run through it every couple of days.

Does anyone have a performance review due?

Does everyone have a development plan?

Do I know what is going on with my team both personally and professionally?

Am I providing them with what they need to do their job and to develop their work and career?

I try to think about them and what they really need to develop professionally and to glorify God in their work.

I “love” them enough to tell them straight up when something is going well or if change is needed.

I try to walk the walk, not just talk the talk.

These are just a few examples of what the day might entail for a small business owner who wants to live out their faith in their business.

No Distractions – We Can Start Now

We can argue about how much to say and what to say.  We can debate the advantages and disadvantages of being a Christian in our business.  We can pray about business decisions that we worry may impact our ability to compete.

While all of this is going on, we can start reflecting God in our business today, right now, before we have it all figured out.  Just look around and start treating others as you would want to be treated and make sure to love God by giving Him the credit whenever you can.

It’s simple.  It’s a way of life.