A critical moment is coming your way. Are you ready for it? It is the moment you realize you have the upper hand in a business deal. It’s the chance to rake in extra cash for the company, negotiate more equity, cut costly benefits, or add some “smart” language to a contract. You are in the driver’s seat, so what do you do? It’s easy to justify a business decision by saying to ourselves, “God wants me to be successful, right?” or “It’s just business. Anyone would take advantage of this situation.” So when is it ok to capitalize on an opportunity and when is it wrong?
I work in real estate and recently had the opportunity to work with an elderly woman selling a piece of family land. Since her husband had recently passed away and used to handle the finances, this woman did not have any business experience. She decided to sell the land to a local builder who has been my friend for years. She told me over the phone, “I trust you. Just tell me what to do.” I had not spoken to the woman for more than 10 minutes and she was handing me the “keys” to the transaction. Instantly, I realized this woman was in a vulnerable position. I could have called the builder and let him know we were about to get the deal of a lifetime. How we chose to write the contract would swing the deal thousands of dollars one way or another. Thankfully, the builder was a fellow believer. We chose to work the transaction like we work all others—with a goal of being fair and honest with everyone. We made sure she was treated fairly. Each time she signed the documents placed in front of her, I realized how easy it would have been to have taken advantage of the situation.
As we work in business, we handle contracts, partnerships, and agreements. Whether these are with vendors, suppliers, or employees, we should never use our leverage or positions of power to take advantage of someone else.
Let’s look at a Biblical example in Genesis 29–31. After Jacob tricks his father and brother out of a birthright, he flees to live with his uncle, Laban. After arriving, they discuss compensation for his labor and agree that after seven years of work Jacob can marry Rachel, Laban’s daughter. However, seven years later, Laban tricks Jacob and gives him his other daughter, Leah, instead. As the story unfolds, we see Jacob working for another seven years so he can marry Rachel as he initially intended. During this period, Jacob and Laban strike another compensation agreement over his work with the flocks in the fields. This time, Jacob does the deceiving and manipulates the flock to gain more and stronger offspring, leaving the weak animals with Laban. This entire story, spanning many years, is riddled with lies, deception, and manipulation. Sadly, this isn’t too different from how some people handle things today. It’s a dog-eat-dog world. But not for us.
Here is the reality—if God wants to bless you or your company, He does not need your help negotiating, bargaining, or making cutthroat deals. Rather, establish your business deals honestly for both parties. Don’t be afraid to let the deal be in the favor of who you are doing business with. The world says acquire and attain. God says lay up treasures in heaven and trust Him to take care of you. Here are a couple passages to ponder as you think about your business.
Colossians 4:1 “Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.”
Matthew 6:19–21 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
I’m also reminded of a passage in James 5. It is a warning to the rich, “Listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered the innocent one, who was not opposing you.”
When we have a position of power or control in business, our actions must simply demonstrate that Christ is our treasure; that we are not primarily motivated by wealth, power, or influence. God has given to us more abundantly than we will ever fathom. We have a platform from which we can reflect Christ as channels for the overflow of his grace, love, mercy, and blessing which have been poured out on us. Christ is our treasure. Our stock is in Him.
Do my actions demonstrate Christ as my treasure or are they demonstrating a love for money, power, or control to those around me?