christ-follower

Four Godly Attributes Found in Successful Organizations

Dr. Mike Kingdom Paradigms , , ,

The book “Great Business Emulates a Good God” highlights four key characteristics found in faith-focused, faith-friendly, and faith neutral for-profit business organizations. The main difference between the three categories simply involved the weight and motive behind these values.
The four characteristics were summarized as: faithfulness in relationships, excellence in performance, fruitful in results, and integrity in action. The study demonstrated that each characteristic is an attribute of the Triune God and likewise exemplified in successful business operations. It didn’t matter if the business was Christ-centered or simply neutral in relationship with Jesus. However, what it didn’t take into account was the motive, heart, or allegiance of the organization. It simply focused on these eternal values within a business context.

If we conducted a more in-depth study, it would probably demonstrate that the difference between faith-focused organizations and faith neutral operations was a matter of the heart. The faith-focused organization probably would demonstrate more care for the stakeholder out of sincere love than the faith-neutral operation that would emphasize “it’s good business for the bottom line to care for one’s employees.” The faith-focus would probably place greater emphasis on building the relationship and the faith-neutral would most likely emphasize the profit-side. It would be an interesting study to conduct.

For now, if your business only measures profit metrics maybe it’s time to change. How about measuring the relationships, quality of work, fulfillment of mission objectives, and conduct that demonstrates high integrity? You may be pleasantly surprised by the results. One recent Harvard study showed that about 47% of an organizations bottom-line is the result of its culture. If something that impacts almost 50% of the bottom-line is culture, how come we don’t measure its performance? Then again, when the Spirit of Christ is alive in the hearts of the employees, maybe measuring isn’t as important as just simply living the gospel in the marketplace. What do you think?

OUR PRAYER

prayer 5

Father, Lord, Holy Spirit – Thank you for expressing your life in creation. We see you in us. We see you in the order of the universe. We see you in organizations that flourish. Help us to learn from you. Help us to instill in our workplaces your characteristic values. Help us to employ your economic values in relationships, work, and decisions. Whatever we do help us to live your gospel of the Kingdom, grace, and fruitfulness in the marketplace. Let our lives express you and glorify you in everything we say, think, and do.

Yours In Christ,

Dr. Mike

Consultant, Coach, Encourager
Author of Great Business Emulates A Good God

If You Are Seeking a Devotional Study, Check Out My New Book Be Radical…Follow Christ.

Bless My Business

Dr. Mike Kingdom Paradigms , , , , , , ,

How many business operations do you know that actually glorify God in their service to others? How many of those are operated/owned by believers? How many are operated/owned by non-believers, but their work exemplifies quality of godliness? These questions challenged me when I completed my dissertation. The final results ended up in a book entitled “Great Business Emulates a Good God.”

One of the items that surprised me the most was how many non-Christian business operations practiced godly principles and exercised eternal values that magnified the qualities of the Triune God. Yet the main difference between the two pertained to motive. Christian-focused business’ operated to glorify God. Faith-neutral operations focused on glorifying their brand. Yet both sides operated businesses that the world would say were successful. At least from the outside looking in.

Why bring up these facts? Simply because we know people, if not ourselves at times, that want and desire God’s blessings on our business, but still operate with self-centered motives. We want God’s favor, but refrain from being honest with Him in our dealings with others. We typically haven’t come to a place yet where we have surrendered the business under the domain of King Jesus.

How do we know if we have surrendered the business to God’s domain? Do we actually operate under Kingdom economic principles or follow the ways of the world? Do we practice decision-making that benefits ALL stakeholders of the enterprise; that means partners, employees, vendors, government agencies, and investors. Do we actually seek God’s will before making decisions that impact the business’ mission? Is the business’ mission and aim to glorify God, serve the common good of others, and promote the well-being of all parties, or simply too benefit a few insiders?

These may be tough questions, but how can one expect to be blessed if one is conducting business outside of God’s character, nature, or will? The transition doesn’t happen overnight. But God is merciful and if our heart is open he will lead us to the economic promise land. For most of us, it is a process of repentance, change, and redirecting our hearts to see the world as He does. And even though we may fall far short from perfection, God rewards and blesses those that fulfill His purpose in life. Yes, catch His vision for your life and business and even your business will learn to rest in the favor of God and His graceful blessings.

OUR PRAYER

PRAY 8

Holy Father-Holy Lord-Holy Spirit: Thank you for giving us the opportunity to pursue a business that will create opportunities that will glorify you, serve the common good of others, and reward us for the risks that are taken. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from all ungodly decisions. Help us to inspire those around us to follow your lead. Help us to walk with you through each business process, strategy, and client to glorify you. Help us to be true to you, our self, and others in building eternal relationships that buildup your Kingdom now. Help us to surrender our business for your glory. Bless us so we may be a blessing for others

Yours In Christ,

Dr. Mike

Consultant, Coach, Encourager
Author of Great Business Emulates A Good God

Is Your Jesus Dead or Alive?

Dr. Mike Kingdom Paradigms , , , , , , , ,

RESURRECTION 5

Easter is the time that traditional Christianity comes together to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We in the faith may argue whether or not He died and was buried for a full three days or three nights as He prophesied, or whether they were portions of three days and nights. We in the faith may argue among ourselves in regards to the symbolism of the bread and wine; whether the bread is actually His body or simply a reminder of His human sacrifice. We in the faith may also debate whether or not communion is an institutional doctrine of the church to be taken only in a “Church Service” or more of simply Jesus’ method to remind us at each meal (Middle-eastern culture)when we break bread and drink wine to acknowledge what Jesus did and a reminder that He shall return.

No matter the discussions and disagreements, there is one universal truth among believers: Jesus arose from the grave and lives today!

He didn’t arise and simply disappear into heaven for His sake. He is now at the right hand of God the Father; intervening for humanity before our great God. He is working through the hands and feet of His body, the universal Church, preparing a people for His return. A time where the Bible describes a one-thousand year reign where Christ’ Kingdom will be visible; a time that will prepare the way for a new heaven and a new earth to finally merge together as one with God’s throne among all people visible for all to see.

How many people do you know live their life with a living Christ rather than a dead Christ? As we live each day in faith, trusting the Spirit to lead us into a deeper relationship with the living God, isn’t that where Christ becomes more real and alive in us?  However, if we try to do it all along, thinking that Christ is dead and is not coming back, doesn’t that leave one struggling with a dead faith?  Easter is a time to reflect on what Christ did, is doing, and will be doing as He moves history toward the restoration of all things. My prayer is that all may come to know and allow Christ to express Himself freely through us all.

OUR PRAYER

life1

Holy Father, Holy Lord, and Holy Spirit – Thank you for revealing yourself through creation, the Bible, and your involvement in our life. Help me every day to listen for your words of encouragement, love, and mission. Help me to come and know you more and more each day. Help me to hang out with you more and more each day. Let your resurrection power be expressed through me and toward others so they may also experience the great life you have to share with your children. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Yours In Christ,

Dr. Mike

Consultant, Coach, Encourager
Author of Great Business Emulates A Good God

If You Are Seeking a Devotional Study, Check Out My New Book Be Radical…Follow Christ.