How To Run Your Business: Work Hard, Do Not Be Idle, Honor Effort
The Apostle Paul gives wise counsel (of course) on how we as a church, as a group of believers, and as business people are to act. The books of Thessalonians contain significant direction for the young churches and believers of Thessalonica on how they were supposed to conduct themselves. It is a model for Christians in any organization to follow and particularly in our businesses.
I have added emphasis to certain sections to highlight them. In verse 12 Paul tells us to recognize those who work hard for us (they are working for God too!) and the importance of acknowledging their work and efforts. We are also to value their efforts to care for us and our businesses, even when (or perhaps particularly) when they are correcting us, telling us something that we don’t want to hear but need to hear. Value what the worker does for us from the least in our businesses to the “greatest.”
1 Thessalonians 5:12–18 (NIV)
12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters,
to acknowledge those who work hard among you,
who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you.
In verse 13 we again are being charged to hold the worker who works hard, cares for us and our businesses and who does what needs to be done. We aren’t to be difficult, vengeful, recalcitrant, or otherwise cause discord. We are to have an attitude and an environment of peace. Negativity has no place in the life of a Christian Business.
13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work.
Live in peace with each other.
The next verse highlights what we have an obligation to do when we encounter behavior that is not in accordance with the expectations we have for our team members. We expect hard work and honest effort, and if we don’t get it verse 14 directs us to act, not just let it go, but to take responsibility to intervene in a manner appropriate to the “behavior.”
14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters,
warn those who are idle and disruptive,
encourage the disheartened,
help the weak,
be patient with everyone.
Having spent many years in a corporate environment where getting ahead often meant getting stepped on or over, and where people often took offense to hard work and admonishment, the following is critical to keeping a positive environment in your organization.
5 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong,
but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.
Good decisions and an environment of success results when everyone acts in the best interest of the organization and others. When everyone does the right things, then the organization grows and the people grow with it. Successful organizations have the opportunity to pay more to existing employees, provide better benefits, serve more clients, and still have a solid, growing bottom line.
Whatever we have, what ever we experience we are meant to grow in the Lord. God provides us with what we need, if not always what we want. Our days will be blessed no matter the circumstances. We are to:
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances;
for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Author: Lea A. Strickland, MBA CMA CFM CBM GMC
Copyright ©2012 Lea A. Strickland
All Rights Reserved
