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Meditation
The Biblical cities of Babylon and Jerusalem are symbols of two ways of thinking about happiness and business. Babylon represents the part of the business world that believes that happiness is found in self-realization, wealth, status, power, and winning. The end justifies the means is the slogan that best describes this representation of Babylon. This way of thinking characterizes the spiritual power reigning over Babylon. The Bible refers to this power as the great prostitute of Babylon (Rev. 17). She is rich and prosperous, and everyone wants to share in her riches and the luxury she allows herself (Rev. 18). I used to be part of this culture, and for years I was driven by this idea of self-realization, riches, and luxury. Yet, I didn’t find my happiness there, even though I had everything.
God is the spiritual power behind the symbolic city of Jerusalem, as described in Revelation 21. God has different ways of bestowing happiness and prosperity on people. He does not remain in a high position, but he comes down to meet people. He wants to serve and share his love. As businessmen, we often say, ‘’The primary basis for our activities is the client’s interest. We wish to provide for the needs of our clients and serve them from an attitude of love.’’ The slogan for such entrepreneurship often ask, ‘’How do we add value to our products and services in an economically profitable way, so that we maximize the well-being of our clients and other stakeholders of the company?’’ I feel privileged that I have discovered this way of doing business.
The difference between the two spiritual powers are their ways of thinking, business style, desires, and their definition for the word well-being. For Babylon well-being represents happiness, entrepreneurial success, high profits, personal wealth, and respect from shareholders. For Jerusalem, well-being is defined as a personal relationship, love, a serving attitude, and justice for people to thrive in the way they were created. In the next few days, the reading plan will lead us on a journey from Babylon to Jerusalem, during which I share my journey as a businessman.
Question for the day
How would you define happiness?
Scripture
About this Plan
How can we as entrepreneurs contribute to the happiness and well-being of all those involved with our company? Where do we find our own happiness and contentment? The biblical cities of Babylon and Jerusalem form the basis of this first series. They are symbols for two ways of thinking about happiness and business.
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