Kingdom EntrepreneurshipSample

Developing Honest Scales

We can probably all tell stories of shocking customer service we’ve received because of laziness, corner-cutting, disorganization, dishonesty, greed, or some other kind of business misconduct. Today, let’s take a look at the importance of making our every business decision with absolute integrity and with the welfare of others in mind.

Proverbs 11:1 says, ‘The LORD detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with Him.’ Another translation of the verse says God ‘delights in just weights.’ Think about how many business decisions you’re likely to make today or how many you’ve made this week. Think about whether or not you tend to pause before making any of these decisions to ask yourself: Is this decision honest and just? God sees all things, and we run the risk of making decisions He detests if we fail to act with integrity. We’re called to operate according to a different value system from the world, being honest in all our dealings. This is one of the most powerful ways we can be bright lights in the dark world of secular business.

You might not think of yourself as dealing dishonestly in your business environment, but think about some of these scenarios: taking cash to avoid paying tax, or pushing a vulnerable supplier down in price just because you can, or claiming private expenses through your business, or getting your receptionist to lie for you by telling a caller you’re not in the office when you are, or committing to a pay bump for one of your team members if they meet certain expectations – but then, when they do hit their targets, withholding the increase for a period of time. These examples may seem pretty small, harmless, and insignificant to us – and yet God hates all injustice and dishonesty. If we’re going to play a part in helping God redeem the business world, we have to approach business in the opposite spirit to the way the world does. Ironically, when we act justly, the Lord is able to bring more increase than we ever could have achieved through quick gain. We can trust Him as our perfect provider.

In the coming days and weeks, take time to reflect on the four pillars of business we’ve explored in this reading plan. May God align your business vision with His. May you understand the spiritual battle that rages around you. May you be a faithful link in the transfer of wealth. And may you pause before making every decision, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal any dishonesty you’re harboring. May God bless you with courage, strength, and wisdom as you obey Him and step into your calling as a businessperson.

This plan was adapted from the series, Kingdom Entrepreneurship, on RightNow Media.