Sometimes, it's surprising how practical and straightforward God's word can be. Alas, we human beings are so used to everything being complicated that when confronted with God's direct instructions, we find a way to muddle things up.
Consider the word in Proverbs 10:9 - Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out. Pretty simple, right? If someone walks with integrity, their walk will be secure. However, if someone opts to walk without integrity, their practice will be exposed to the world.
God couldn't be more clear here - do things with integrity and it will go well with you. Opt for the opposite and you'll be found out, your folly exposed to everyone. As believers who strive to run their businesses in accordance with God's word, Proverbs 10:9 cannot be ignored. This despite the fact that it is common for businesses to make choices that focus on the financial bottom-line, throwing integrity and truth out the window in the process. For such companies, God's word is completely irrelevant.
However, Believers have to meet a higher standard than that of the world - the word of God. This means that what would be normal business practice for others cannot be normal for those who walk in accordance with God's instructions.
Think of the businesses that have been revealed for their devious and illegal practices. They've been sued and have lost billions in the process. Their reputation has also taken a serious dent, creating a loss in goodwill, which is a crucial factor for every company. Yes, they often continue to limp on, restructuring and even changing their names. However, is that you want for yourself and your business? Or do you want to be a company that is trusted? A company that is blessed by God Himself? Chick-fil-A, for instance, was founded on certain Biblical standards and continues to be one of the most successful fast-food brands despite pressures to operate like other businesses. It has managed to buck the trend on how successful businesses should operate and yet, makes plenty of profit each quarter.
God is very clear that He wants His people to walk in integrity. Psalm 41:12 - Because of my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever. A person who walks with integrity will always have access to the Lord and His presence in all areas of their life. As a Believer, that is a privilege that I personally seek. Also, Proverbs 20:7 - The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them (NLT). A person walking in godly integrity will witness God's blessings upon all who come after them. God's blessings and mercy don't just stop at the children but spread to all that concerns a person of integrity, such as their businesses.
He has also made it extremely clear that He detests liars and deceivers. In Proverbs 20:10 we are told "[t]wo things the LORD hates are dishonest scales and dishonest measures." Also we are warned in Proverbs 19:5 - A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will not go free. This rule doesn't just apply to us as individuals, it applies to our businesses as well. There are consequences for ignoring God's word and no amount of money can protect from the wrath of the Lord in such situations.
May the grace of the Lord help each of us to walk with Him truthfully, in humility and with Godly integrity, whereby we apply His word in all we do, IJMN Amen.