Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out. Proverbs 10:9
Integrity = the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles, moral uprightness.
Integrity is how you do what you do. It is necessary to build, manage and grow a business that glorifies Jesus, serves people and build sustainable wealth.
In Proverbs 10:9 the Bible makes it clear that “integrity” is the key to security.
Integrity is evident in …
Values the reflect the character of Christ;
Behavior that imitates the character of Christ; and, a
Reputation that honors the character of Christ.
These elements exist for individuals and businesses too.
Let's talk business …
Integrity shows up in business decisions that create trust.
Business decisions that create trust lead to loyal clients and clients.
Loyal clients and customers lead to repeat business, referrals, and recommendations.
Repeat business, referrals, and recommendations lead to consistent revenue.
Consistent revenue leads to sustainable wealth.
Following through with this process of operating in integrity, day in and day out, leads to building a business the glorifies Jesus (through imitating God's character) and generates wealth.
Crooked = Dishonest or Illegal
Here's how you can unintentionally slip into operating in crooked ways:
–> Make decisions that generate revenue at the expense of great value.
–> Take actions that generate revenue at the expense of timely payments.
–> Do things that cut costs but increase dangerous conditions.
–> Exhibit behavior that serves your business but hurts people you serve.
The Bible makes it clear that crooked ways will eventually be found out.
And … when crooked ways are discovered (as they always are) they will eventually destroy your business, bring shame to God's kingdom and turn people away from Jesus.
WHAT'S NEXT …
As a Christ-centered business owner, you have a critical responsibility to make decisions that reflect the character and integrity of Christ every single time there's a decision to be made.
Your actions are highly influential in what people know about and think about what it means to be profitable while serving Christ.
Make good decisions.
Build a reputation that serves the Kingdom.
