BJ#1 The Golden Rule for Business Success

This is the 1st in a series of meditations on "Principles and Strategies for Business Success according to Jesus". Being the first, the most important golden rule shall be covered here. I think the foundational principle, upon which others are built, is

(Mat 6:33) But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

God wants you to be successful
Firstly, it reveals God's intention - God wants us to be successful in life. That is why He is giving us the principle for success. It also reveals God's promise, or guarantee, or God's kingdom's operating laws (like the natural laws of gravity), for our success. Do it God's way and you get God's promised result. We can recall Joshua 1:8 - the Book is given that we may prosper. Now we talk about the HOW - the method.

1. Reality of Life - God must come first

'Seek First God's'. Follow after God and all these things (foods, covers, things for life, represented in money) will be added. The very 1st principle of Business Success is Put God first. When we chase after God, money chases after us. In Mat 6:24, we cannot serves both God and money. The advice is clear, serve God first and money will follows. Restated, money follows Godly practices.

2. God's Kingdom - The Right Things - The Right Strategies.

It is the operating principles and laws, like the natural law of gravity, the Newtonian Laws, Laws of Thermodynamics, etc of God's government. It is about the Right things to do. Jesus told of commandments and many parables of how the Kingdom of God works. We will discuss this in future postings.

3. God's Righteousness - Do Things Right - Walk the Talk. The Execution of Strategies.

Righteousness is not just about knowing the right things but to doing them right - reaching up to the standards. It is about quality. Jesus not only tells us about God's kingdom rules, he has to die for us (because we fail to do it!) to accomplish the requirements and obtain righteousness for us. Integrity is about walking the talk. Business success is not just about the right strategies but also about executing the strategies.

4. Do it Now.

Mat 6 ends with verse 34 "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Let us not be paralyzed by fear of tomorrow. Tomorrow happenings is determined by today actions. Let us starting doing it now - to know God and to act on it.

5. Going Long Term

In Mat 6:19-20, we are taught to lay up treasures in heaven. Success is not short term or sporadic. It should last the test of time and stretches into eternality. The time period in our PV (Present Value) calculations should include the eternal perspective. Following the Golden Rule of God's 1st will create business that last.

6. A famous preacher rephrased this verse roughly as "Economic Success follows Spiritual Revival". This is definitely supported by the development of Europe and US after the rediscovery of salvation by faith alone.

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BJ#0 Business According to Jesus TOC --|-- BJ#2 Have A Mission Statement