Day 13
Business
People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives. Commit your work to the Lord, and then your plans will succeed. (Proverbs 16: 2-3)
The Lord is the very basis of ethics, the author of right and wrong. He is ever present and his searchlight penetrates the heart; He sees and records motives. For these reasons it is important to commit all of our work efforts to him in order that he may revise and correct our purposes and establish those which are good. He is interested in our works and our business dealings. Our employment draws the attention of God; He takes notice of our comings and goings. Proverbs makes it clear that fraudulent business practices are an abomination to the living Lord.
God is the source of all abilities and gifts and he wants us to use them maximally for Him. In fact, all work is to be done to the glory of God. Work is not performed to occupy time or to earn a paycheck only but to employ our gifts to help and serve others. Work, well done, is an offering given to the Lord.
On another note, one should be very careful about cosigning a loan. Be very circumspect about accepting the obligations of a cosigned loan, even for a family member or friend. If the primary borrower defaults, the cosigner is responsible to pay off the loan. This can result in strain or loss of close relationships. Solomon especially warns against cosigning a loan for an unreliable person.
How much of your identity comes from your job? Is your employment the best use of your skill set? What are your business motives? Have you ever misrepresented the truth to get a job or close a deal? How would you rate your business ethics? Does your job bring you lasting satisfaction?
