BUSINESS ETHICS

BUSINESS OF BUSINESS

“Quality of Life Series”

9/27/06

LEADER: Industrialist Henry Ford once said, “A business that makes

only money is a poor kind of business.”

Henry Ford 1863-1947 American Industrialist

Albert Einstein said, “Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value.”

Albert Einstein 1979-1955 German-born brilliant American theoretical physicist

FROM: http://www.valuequotes.net/

HAVE SOMEONE READ: QUOTE #1

http://www.valuequotes.net/

“Price is what you pay; value is what you get”

Warren Buffet 1930- American Investor/Entrepreneur

HAVE SOMEONE READ: QUOTE #2

http://www.valuequotes.net/

“It is not hard to make decisions when you know what your values are.” Roy Disney – American Writer/Producer, nephew to Walt Disney

HAVE SOMEONE READ: QUOTE #3

http://acct.tamu.edu/smith/ethics/quotes.htm

"It has become dramatically clear that the foundation of corporate integrity is personal integrity."

Sam DiPiazza, CEO of PriceswaterhouseCoopers.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: QUOTE #4

http://www.business-ethics.org/quotes.html

“I have always recognized that the object of business is to make money in an honorable manner. I have endeavored to remember that the object of life is to do good.”

Peter Cooper 1791-1883

Some of the many inventions & successes of Cooper:

· Concocted a method of siphoning power from ocean tides.

· Invented a rotary steam engine.

· Unveiled America’s first steam locomotive, known as the Tom Thumb (1825).

· Patented a musical cradle.

· Concocted a method for making salt.

· Obtained the very first American patent for the manufacture of gelatin (1845).

LEADER: How should we treat our customers…our clients?

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “John Wanamaker”

http://www.sermonillustrator.org/illustrator/sermon2a/john_wanamekr.htm

"I don't subscribe to the thesis, 'Let the buyer beware," said the American writer, Isaac Asimov. "I prefer the disregarded one that goes, 'Let the seller be honest.'"

A century ago, clothier John Wanamaker, whose retail business grew into one of the first department stores, would have agreed. He instilled the attitude of utmost honesty in his employees. The story is told (SELLING SOLUTIONS, Ed. Juanita Ruiz, Oct. 1995) of one of his advertising people who was sent to make a sign advertising neckties that were reduced in price from one dollar apiece to 25 cents. After personally examining the ties, the ad man asked the buyer,

"Are they any good?"

"No, they're not," replied the buyer with all sincerity.

The advertiser wanted to be completely honest, so he finally wrote the copy this way: "They are not as good as they look, but they are good enough at 25 cents."

The department sold out of ties almost immediately and was forced to purchase several more weeks' supply of cheap ties to fill the persistent demand.

Wanamaker's reputation for honesty helped to later catapult him to the office of U. S. postmaster general. He believed that only a business based on values has real value. He built his company and his life on his values -- and both were successful.

It is more true today than ever before. To be successful, it is not enough to just make a living. We have to make a life.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Maintaining Character” Our Daily Bread 4/19/04

http://www.rbc.org/odb/odb-04-19-04.shtml

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. —Romans 12:2

News reporting is a tough business that tends to make reporters hard and unfeeling. That's what Barbara Bradley, a correspondent for National Public Radio, tells aspiring journalists. But she also believes it doesn't have to be that way. "I made a strategic decision when I first fell in love with journalism," Bradley says, "that if I found myself beginning to get tough I would leave the business. It's just a career, and why mortgage your character for a career? Maintaining your character counts for something and you can do it; it's just a decision you have to make."

In every high-pressure situation, we can react like most people or we can choose to be different. J. B. Phillips translates Romans 12:2 this way: "Don't let the world around you squeeze you into its own mold, but let God remold your minds from within, so that you may prove in practice that the plan of God for you is good, meets all His demands, and moves toward the goal of true maturity" (The New Testament in Modern English).

When we feel pressure to conform, character can stand firm on the bedrock of conviction, saying, "This is God's way and it is best." Maintaining our character begins and continues with a decision. Let's make it today. —David C. McCasland

O Lord, You see what's in my heart—
There's nothing hid from You;
So help me live the kind of life
That's loving, kind, and true. —D. De Haan

Beautiful character begins in the heart.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Be True To Your Word” Our Daily Bread 4/26/06

http://www.rbc.org/odb/odb-04-26-06.shtml

Let your "Yes" be "Yes," and your "No," "No." —Matthew 5:37

Shortly before his death, the Duke of Burgundy was presiding over the Cabinet Council of France. A proposal was made by the ministers that would violate a treaty but would secure important advantages for the country. Many reasons were offered to justify the deed. The Duke listened in silence, and when all had spoken he closed the conference without giving approval. Placing his hand on a copy of the original agreement, he said with firmness in his voice, "Gentlemen, we have a treaty!"

It’s important that Christians act and speak so that the Savior is glorified. When you give your word, keep it. If you make a commitment, honor it. If you take on an obligation, fulfill it. As Jesus said in Matthew 5:37, "Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes.’"

Our honesty and reliability should be so evident that we can be trusted for any contract we make. What better testimony could be said of a believer than this: "He gave his word; that’s good enough for me." And if non-Christians can trust us in business matters, they are more likely to believe us when we speak about the gospel.

If you are tempted to go back on a promise, think again of the words of the Duke of Burgundy: "Gentlemen, we have a treaty!" —Richard De Haan

Uphold me in the common strife;
Give me the grace to work and plan;
And in the marketplace of life,
O keep me, Lord, an honest man. —Bayliss

Never give your word unless you intend to keep it.

LEADER: How should we treat our staff…our bosses?

HAVE SOMEONE READ: Ephesians 6:1-9

1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.

2 Honor thy father and mother (which is the first commandment with promise),

3 that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but nurture them in the chastening and admonition of the Lord.

5 Servants, be obedient unto them that according to the flesh are your masters, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;

6 not in the way of eye-service, as men-pleasers; but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;

7 with good will doing service, as unto the Lord, and not unto men:

8 knowing that whatsoever good thing each one doeth, the same shall he receive again from the Lord, whether he be bond or free.

9 And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, and forbear threatening: knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no respect of persons with him.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “A People Company” Our Daily Bread 9/04/06

http://www.rbc.org/odb/odb-09-04-06.shtml

Be obedient to those who are your masters. —Ephesians 6:5

My brother worked 42 years for the Herman Miller Furniture Company. At his retirement dinner he said, “This is my company. Where else could a production worker like me participate in the management of the company?” What had instilled this kind of loyalty? In part, it was the leadership of D. J. De Pree, longtime president of the company.

One day a worker in the plant died suddenly. When Mr. De Pree visited his widow, she told him of her husband’s poetry and of his witnessing to the night watchman. This impressed De Pree with the value of each of the workers in his plant. From then on, his attitude toward the business changed. “I realized,” he said, “that the manufacturer’s first priority was to make his product the best he could for the one who would use it; the second was the man in the factory who made it; and the third was the ownership.”

This attitude is rooted in Scripture. Christians in labor and in management all work for one Master. Employees must therefore serve with diligence. Management must do the same—with two additions. They must be fair and just (Col. 4:1) and must not threaten (Eph. 6:9).

Integrity, concern for others, and mutual respect make any company a people company. —Dennis J. De Haan

Lord, teach me how to love and work,
So every deed I do
May be to someone in its turn
A service fine and true. —Anon.

When integrity and people rate higher than pay and profits, everyone profits!

LEADER: Do we pray expectantly for our business?

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Mustard Seed Faith In Business”

http://www.sermonillustrator.org/illustrator/sermon3a/mustard_seed_faith_in_business.htm

He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." Matthew 17:20
Does God do miracles in business? Is He concerned about the mountains we face in our work life? Does He want us to bring the everyday problems we face in the workplace to His attention? The answer to every one of these questions is yes. God wants to be involved in every aspect of our lives.
Gunnar Olson, the Swedish founder of the International Christian Chamber of Commerce, tells a story about God performing a miracle in his own business a few years ago. He owns a plastics company in Sweden. They make huge plastic bags that are used to cover bales of hay in the farmlands across Europe. It was the harvest season and they were getting ready to ship thousands of pallets of these bags to their customers. More than 1,000 pallets were ready to ship when an alarming discovery was made. Every bag on the warehouse floor had sealed shut from top to bottom. Scientists declared the entire stock as worthless trash. Nothing could be done. The company would go out of business.
Gunnar, his wife, and children sought the Lord in prayer about this catastrophe. The Holy Spirit spoke through various family members. The wife said, "If God can turn water into wine, what are plastics?" The daughter said, "I don't believe this is from the Lord. We should stand against it." Gunnar sensed they were to trust God for a miracle in this situation. They began to pray. They took authority over this mountain of a problem based on Matthew 17, which gave them the authority to cast a mountain into the sea if faith only the size of a mustard seed could be exercised. The following Monday they went to the warehouse and laid hands on every pallet asking the Lord to restore the bags to their original condition. It took several hours. Later, the employees began to inspect the bags. As they inspected the bags, they discovered that every single bag had been restored to its original condition! An incredible miracle had taken place. What obstacles have been placed in your life that need a miracle today? Could God be setting the stage in your life for you to trust Him at new levels you've never trusted before? God sets the stage to allow His power to be revealed for those willing to exercise the faith of a mustard seed. All things are possible with God.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Give Your Worries To The Lord” By Peter Kennedy

http://www.sermonillustrator.org/illustrator/sermon3/give_your_worries_to_the_lord.htm

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." –

Philippians 4:6
James Cash Penney born on September 16, 1875, on a small farm outside Hamilton, Missouri. He was raised in an abiding faith in God and the Christian ethic of the Golden Rule. In 1902, he opened his first dry goods store in Kemmerer, Wyoming called The Golden Rule Store. His store became a hit and by the end of 1912, there were 34 Golden Rule Stores with sales exceeding $2 million. In 1929, J.C. Penney's business was highly unstable. He began to worry and became sleepless. He worried to such an extreme that he contracted painful shingles. Penny was hospitalized and given tranquilizers, but it was no help. He still worried about his business. One night, he felt that he was about to die. He started writing farewells to his wife, son, and friends. But by the next morning, as he was lying on bed, he heard singing from the hospital chapel next door: "No matter what may be the test, God will take care of you. . ." Suddenly he leaned up, thinking: "It is real! God loves and cares for, me." In no time, he had jumped out of his bed and entered the chapel. Penny gave his worries to Christ and the Lord continued to bless him.
Jesus Christ is bigger than any worry that you may have. Today in prayer, give the Lord your worries and rejoice in His goodness.
"Let us give up our work, our plans, ourselves, our lives, our loved ones, our influence, our all, right into [God's] hand; and then, when we have given all over to Him, there will be nothing left for us to be troubled about." - Hudson Taylor
God's Word: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" - Matthew 6:25-26

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Why Are We In Business” By R. AuBuchon, Jr.
http://www.sermoncentral.com/outsideurl.asp?outsideurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Erftpsermons%2Ecom%2F030898pm%2Ehtml EXCERPTS

When I was 18 fresh out of high school I went to work for Rozier's Clothing Store. They were known for their conservative approach for buying and selling clothes and shoes. I remember when the tennis shoe craze really picked up the manager refused to buy the shoes that were selling like hot cakes. So when someone came in asking for the latest fashion in tennis shoes, it was my job to try and convince that this deck boat shoe really looked and wore best. It was a futile attempt. I remember when Levi's blue jeans were the hot item … you guessed it Rozier's Clothing Store did not buy or sell them. We sold "Tough-Nut" jeans, bibs and dungarees. Rozier's seldom changed fashions unless forced to. I do remember the first time Rozier's bought Nike tennis shoes. They purchased 5 pairs of men's and women's. We who worked there carried upstairs the spring/summer and fall/winter line, interchanging them in their proper season. The upstairs was full of outdated and unwanted clothing.

After moving away from Farmington it did not surprise me to hear Rozier's Clothing Store was going out of business. They could have hung a sign up that read, "Going Out of Business - Didn't Know What Our Business Was." Some might argue the point, but was their business to sell clothes or cloth people?

As Christians, we must walk into everyday knowing we are in the business of clothing people with the gospel.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: John 4:27-39

27 And upon this came his disciples; and they marvelled that he was speaking with a woman; yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why speakest thou with her? 28 So the woman left her waterpot, and went away into the city, and saith to the people, 29 Come, see a man, who told me all things that ever I did: can this be the Christ? 30 They went out of the city, and were coming to him. 31 In the mean while the disciples prayed him, saying, Rabbi, eat. 32 But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not. 33 The disciples therefore said one to another, Hath any man brought him aught to eat? 34 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to accomplish his work.

35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh the harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields, that they are white already unto harvest. 36 He that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal; that he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. 37 For herein is the saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. 38 I sent you to reap that whereon ye have not labored: others have labored, and ye are entered into their labor.

39 And from that city many of the Samaritans believed on him because of the word of the woman, who testified, He told me all things that ever I did.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: Colossians 3:22-4:1

22 Servants, obey in all things them that are your masters according to the flesh; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing the Lord:

23 whatsoever ye do, work heartily, as unto the Lord, and not unto men;

24 knowing that from the Lord ye shall receive the recompense of the inheritance: ye serve the Lord Christ.

25 For he that doeth wrong shall receive again for the wrong that he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

Colossians 4

1 Masters, render unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “People Over Profits” Our Daily Bread 9/01/03

http://www.rbc.org/odb/odb-09-01-03.shtml

Masters, give your bondservants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. —Colossians 4:1

When Truett Cathy started his first restaurant in 1946, it was closed on Sundays to give his employees time to be with their families and to attend church. It's still true today of the more than 1,000 Chick-fil-A fast-food outlets franchised by his company.

Cathy's slogan is: "Put people and principles before profit." It's a motto each of us can make our own, whether we give orders or take them on the job.

The apostle Paul had a word for employers and employees in Colossians 3:22-4:1. He said we need to remember that we have a Master in heaven (4:1), and we are to work from our hearts to please Him, not just the person watching us (3:22-24).

Truett Cathy strives to remain true to biblical principles in his business. Larry Julian, author of God Is My CEO, a book about Cathy and other business leaders, says: "God doesn't promise a tangible return on investments, but He promises the fruits of the Spirit, love and peace and joy, on a personal level. Cathy is not only experiencing peace and joy and love in his life personally, but he's also making a difference to his foster children, his own children and grandchildren, and his employees. He's leaving a legacy on how you can do things the right way."

That's an example we can take to work. —David C. McCasland

Lord, teach me how to love and work,
That everything I do
May be to someone in its turn
A service good and true. —Anon.

When people are more important than profits, everyone profits.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Roll ‘Em Up” Our Daily Bread 2/06/03

http://www.rbc.org/odb/odb-02-06-03.shtml

Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. — James 2:18

When Dave Thomas died in early 2002, he left behind more than just thousands of Wendy's restaurants. He also left a legacy of being a practical, hard-working man who was respected for his down-to-earth values.

Among the pieces of good advice that have outlived the smiling entrepreneur is his view of what Christians should be doing with their lives. Thomas, who as a youngster was influenced for Christ by his grandmother, said that believers should be "roll-up-your-shirtsleeves" Christians.

In his book Well Done, Thomas said, "Roll-up-your-shirtsleeves Christians see Christianity as faith and action. They still make the time to talk with God through prayer, study Scripture with devotion, be super-active in their church, and take their ministry to others to spread the Good Word." He went on to say they are "anonymous people who may be doing even more good than all the well-known Christians in the world."

That statement has more meat in it than a Wendy's triple burger. Thomas knew about hard work in the restaurant business, and he knew it is vital in the spiritual world too.

In James 2:17, we read that unless our faith is accompanied by works, our faith is dead. Let's roll up our sleeves and get to work. There's plenty to do. —Dave Branon

Let's gladly work in serving Christ,
For faith alone is dead;
Let's labor out of love for Him
Who suffered in our stead. —D. DeHaan

A living faith is a working faith.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “William Colgate”

By Ashley G. Emmer, Signs of the Times, August 2, 1938

http://www.sermonillustrator.org/illustrator/sermon2d/william_colgate.htm

Many years ago a lad of sixteen was obliged to leave home because his father was too poor to support him longer. So he trudged away with all his worldly possessions in a bundle dangling from his hand, resolving, as he journeyed, to set up in business as a soap maker in New York.

When the country boy arrived in the big city, he found it hard to get work. Remembering the last words of his mother and also the godly advice given him by the captain of a canal boat, the youth dedicated his life to God, determining to return to his Maker an honest tithe of every dollar he earned.

So, when his first dollar came in, the young man sacredly dedicated ten cents of it to the Lord. This he continued to do. And the dollars rolled in! Soon this manufacturer became partner in a soap business; and when his partner died a few years later, he became sole owner of the concern.

The prosperous businessman now instructed his bookkeeper to open an account with the Lord and to credit to it one tenth of all his income.

The business grew miraculously. The honest proprietor now dedicated two tenths of his earnings; and then three tenths, four tenths; and finally, five tenths. It seemed as if his sales increased in exact proportion to his generosity, so that soon his make of soap became a household word throughout the world.

The late William Colgate was this man whom God so signally prospered in return for his faithfulness to his Maker. While this story is not written with the object of advertising Colgate products, it is related because it illustrates so well the blessings that accompany the faithful payment of an honest tithe.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: Matthew 16:26

26 For what shall a man be profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and forfeit his life? or what shall a man give in exchange for his life?

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “A Fleeting Shadow” EXCERPT

Excerpted from the book TGIF Today God Is First, by Os Hillman

http://www.sermonillustrator.org/illustrator/sermon8/fleeting_shadow.htm

Does your business life have an overall ministry objective to it? This does not mean we must be constantly involved in "Christian activity." It only means that we should be about what God has called us to do with the motive of being obedient to this mission. Do not let the worries and cares of this life keep you from having an eternal impact on the lives of those you meet each day. Satan has a way of keeping our focus on the problems of today rather than the spiritual opportunities before us. He is master of the urgent, not the important.
Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Jesus Standing Outside”

http://www.sermonillustrator.org/illustrator/sermon2a/jesus_standing_outside.htm

After listening to pre-recorded sermon on the radio, I get out of the car and walk to the building entrance. As I open the building door, I leave just enough room for me to get in, leaving Jesus standing outside as the door closes behind me. There He is, standing with His palms on the glass door as he watch me get on the elevator. Jesus eyes are sad as He turns and goes to sit on the stone bench outside. There He'll sit patiently and wait for me for the next 8 hours.

Once I have arrived, I right away begin to complain about things not going right. Jesus, is sitting with His chin in His hand, looking upward toward the building, wishing He could help me.

By lunch time, I'm so flustered, regretting I work in this place and sputtering bitterness and negativity all over folks. Jesus comes around to the side of the building where my cubicle is located and He looks up from the ground trying to get my attention, but I can't hear Him; my focus is on my problems.

Jesus goes back to the front of the building, sits down and patiently continues to wait for me. He thinks to Himself as He looks up to my floor, "I can't believe she went in there defenseless. If only she had taken me in there with her. When will she learn?"

Finally, it is five o'clock. I am irritable and frustrated. As I am leaving the building, Jesus gets up happily to greet me, but, I'm in no mood for Him now. I have just been to hell and back and the last thing I want to do is be bothered with anyone.

Out of compassion, Jesus showed me myself, my day. He showed me each act I made, and worst of all, He allowed me to feel a small portion of how grieved He was because of my actions and attitude. I can't believe that I not only left Jesus standing outside, but I practically let the door smack in His face and I came in here defenseless.

We completely forget to "take Jesus with us". Although we may not go around cursing anyone out or punching anyone in the face, we still have to consider what are our actions and our attitudes are saying about us and about who or Whose we are?

"Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his Savour, wherewith shall it be salted?.... Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house". Matthew 5:13-15

We should never be the cause of confusion or a part of confusion. We should be the ones to bring our gifts and talents to the table to help in whatever area God has chosen for us to work in. "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men." Colossians 3:23

HAVE SOMEONE READ: Matthew 5:13-16

13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost its savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under foot of men.

14 Ye are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid.

15 Neither do men light a lamp, and put it under the bushel, but on the stand; and it shineth unto all that are in the house.

16 Even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Closet Christian” Our Daily Bread 11/22/04

http://www.rbc.org/odb/odb-11-22-04.shtml

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. —Matthew 5:16

A businessman gave his heart to Jesus as a result of a Billy Graham evangelistic event. When he told his co-workers, his Christian business partner was elated. But the new believer hadn't known about his faith, and said, "You know, you're one reason I resisted becoming a Christian for several years. I figured that if someone like you could live a good life and not be a Christian, there was no need for me to become one."

A friend of mine and I were doing business in a local bank. He needed to change a $100 bill. By mistake the teller counted out six $20 bills. When my friend discovered the error, he walked back into the bank and quietly told her what had happened. The teller said, "I can't thank you enough. I would have had to make up the difference. Obviously, you are an honest man." He replied, "The reason I am honest is that I'm a committed follower of Jesus Christ. Giving you back the money is something He would want me to do."

Christians should lead exemplary lives. But it's important that we reveal the Source of strength and life who enables us to be different. As Jesus said, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).
—Haddon W. Robinson

Like a brightly shining light
In the darkness of the night,
We will stand for truth and right—
Let the whole world know! —Peterson
© 1968 Singspiration Music, Inc.

It's the life behind the words that makes your testimony effective.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Business As A Ministry” EXCERPTS

Excerpted from the book TGIF Today God Is First, by Os Hillman

http://www.sermonillustrator.org/illustrator/sermon6/business_as_ministry.htm

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. –

Colossians 3:23-24
The Bible is very clear that the purpose for our work life is to reflect Christ in and through our lives. It is an attitude that says our work is to have an overriding "ministry" objective to it. Our work is our worship to God. These two words even originate from the same Hebrew word, avodah.
Does the Lord have complete control of your life? If so, you will be able to see your business life as an extension of His life in you. Let the Lord live in and through your business life today

LEADER: In his book, The Lord’s Career Advice, “Or, how to take your job and love it”, Max Lucado suggests your work can be worship. Would we need to make any changes in our attitude or perspective to make our job an act of worship?

FROM: Christianity Today International, March/April 2006, Vol. 44, No. 2, 36
http://www.christianitytoday.com/tc/2006/002/10.36.html

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Your Epitaph”

http://www.sermonillustrator.org/illustrator/sermon3b/your_epitaph.htm

"He will bless those who fear the Lord- small and great alike."

Psalm 115:13
What will be written on your epitaph? How do you want people to remember you? What type of legacy will your life leave behind? I interviewed a very successful and powerful man one time for a magazine when this question came up. The man ran an international business that is a household name to all. He was a professed Christian, but he had difficulty answering my question. "I always knew someone would ask that question some day. I am not sure I am any more prepared to answer it now either," was the man's answer. He grappled for a few nice words, but it was clear he had not seriously considered his life much beyond his business success.
It is said of George Washington Carver that he got up early in the morning each day to walk alone and pray. He asked God how he was to spend his day and what He wanted to teach him that day. Carver grew up at the close of the Civil War in a one-room shanty on the home of Moses Carver-the man who owned his mother. The Ku Klux Klan had abducted him and his mother, selling her to new owners. He was later found and returned to his owner, but his mother was never seen again. Carver grew up at the height of racial discrimination, yet he had overcome all these obstacles to become one of the most influential men in the history of the United States. He made many discoveries with the use of peanuts and sweet potatoes. However, after he recommended farmers to plant peanuts and sweet potatoes instead of cotton, he was led into his greatest trial. The farmers lost even more money due to the lack of market for peanuts and sweet potatoes. Carver cried out to the Lord, "Mr. Creator, why did You make the peanut?"
Many years later, he shared that God led him back to his lab and worked with him to discover some 300 marketable products from the peanut. Likewise, he made over 100 discoveries from the sweet potato. These new products created a demand for peanuts and sweet potatoes, and they were major contributors to rejuvenating the Southern economy. As he made new discoveries, he never became successful monetarily, but he overcame great rejection during his lifetime for being black. He was offered six-figure income opportunities from Henry Ford, and he became friends with presidents of his day, yet he knew what God had called him to do. His epitaph read:
He could have added fortune to fame, but caring for neither, he found happiness and honor in being helpful to the world.

[John Woodbridge, More Than Conquerors (Chicago, Illinois: Moody Press, 1992), 312.]

LEADER:

· George Washington Carver gave God the glory and credit for his success.

· J.C. Penny gave his work and worries to the Lord and always practiced the Golden Rule in his personal and business life.

· Wendy’s Dave Thomas said, “believers should be "roll-up-your-shirtsleeves" Christians.

· We learned last week that Mary Kay Ash of Mary Kay Cosmetics used the Golden Rule as her guiding philosophy and encouraged employees and sales force members to prioritize their lives according to a simple but empowering motto: God first, family second, career third.

· Chick-fil-A’s Truett Cathy's slogan is: "Put people and principles before profit."

· Henry Ford said, “A business that makes only money is a poor kind of business.”

· God says, “Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” (Proverbs 16:3)

· “And whatsoever ye do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:17)

COMMENTS IF TIME:

STOP AT 10 TILL FOR

PRAYER REQUESTS AND PRAISES:

CUT AND DISTRIBUTE FOR READING:

QUOTE #1

“Price is what you pay; value is what you get”

Warren Buffet 1930- American Investor/Entrepreneur

QUOTE #2

“It is not hard to make decisions when you know what your values are.”

Roy Disney – American Writer/Producer, nephew to Walt Disney

QUOTE #3

"It has become dramatically clear that the foundation of corporate integrity is personal integrity."

Sam DiPiazza, CEO of PriceswaterhouseCoopers.

QUOTE #4

“I have always recognized that the object of business is to make money in an honorable manner. I have endeavored to remember that the object of life is to do good.”

Peter Cooper 1791-1883

Some of the many inventions & successes of Cooper:

· Concocted a method of siphoning power from ocean tides.

· Invented a rotary steam engine.

· Unveiled America’s first steam locomotive, known as the Tom Thumb (1825).

· Patented a musical cradle.

· Concocted a method for making salt.

· Obtained the very first American patent for the manufacture of gelatin (1845).

“A Fleeting Shadow”

“John Wanamaker”

"I don't subscribe to the thesis, 'Let the buyer beware," said the American writer, Isaac Asimov. "I prefer the disregarded one that goes, 'Let the seller be honest.'"

A century ago, clothier John Wanamaker, whose retail business grew into one of the first department stores, would have agreed. He instilled the attitude of utmost honesty in his employees. The story is told of one of his advertising people who was sent to make a sign advertising neckties that were reduced in price from one dollar apiece to 25 cents. After personally examining the ties, the ad man asked the buyer,

"Are they any good?"

"No, they're not," replied the buyer with all sincerity.

The advertiser wanted to be completely honest, so he finally wrote the copy this way: "They are not as good as they look, but they are good enough at 25 cents."

The department sold out of ties almost immediately and was forced to purchase several more weeks' supply of cheap ties to fill the persistent demand.

It is more true today than ever before. To be successful, it is not enough to just make a living. We have to make a life.

Ephesians 6:1-9

John 4:27-39

Colossians 3:22-4:1

“Maintaining Character”

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. —Romans 12:2

O Lord, You see what's in my heart—
There's nothing hid from You;
So help me live the kind of life
That's loving, kind, and true.

Beautiful character begins in the heart.

“Be True To Your Word”

Let your "Yes" be "Yes," and your "No," "No." —Matthew 5:37

If you are tempted to go back on a promise, think again of the words of the Duke of Burgundy: "Gentlemen, we have a treaty!"

Uphold me in the common strife;
Give me the grace to work and plan;
And in the marketplace of life,
O keep me, Lord, an honest man.

Never give your word unless you intend to keep it.

“A People Company”

Be obedient to those who are your masters. —Ephesians 6:5

Integrity, concern for others, and mutual respect make any company a people company.

Lord, teach me how to love and work,
So every deed I do
May be to someone in its turn
A service fine and true. —Anon.

When integrity and people rate higher than pay and profits, everyone profits!

“Why Are We In Business”

As Christians, we must walk into everyday knowing we are in the business of clothing people with the gospel.

“Mustard Seed Faith In Business”

He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." Matthew 17:20
Does God do miracles in business? Is He concerned about the mountains we face in our work life? Does He want us to bring the everyday problems we face in the workplace to His attention? The answer to every one of these questions is yes. God wants to be involved in every aspect of our lives. Gunnar Olson, the Swedish founder of the International Christian Chamber of Commerce, tells a story about God performing a miracle in his own business a few years ago. He owns a plastics company in Sweden. They make huge plastic bags that are used to cover bales of hay in the farmlands across Europe. It was the harvest season and they were getting ready to ship thousands of pallets of these bags to their customers. More than 1,000 pallets were ready to ship when an alarming discovery was made. Every bag on the warehouse floor had sealed shut from top to bottom. Scientists declared the entire stock as worthless trash. Nothing could be done. The company would go out of business. Gunnar, his wife, and children sought the Lord in prayer about this catastrophe. The Holy Spirit spoke through various family members. The wife said, "If God can turn water into wine, what are plastics?" The daughter said, "I don't believe this is from the Lord. We should stand against it." Gunnar sensed they were to trust God for a miracle in this situation. They began to pray. They took authority over this mountain of a problem based on Matthew 17, which gave them the authority to cast a mountain into the sea if faith only the size of a mustard seed could be exercised. The following Monday they went to the warehouse and laid hands on every pallet asking the Lord to restore the bags to their original condition. It took several hours. Later, the employees began to inspect the bags. As they inspected the bags, they discovered that every single bag had been restored to its original condition! An incredible miracle had taken place. What obstacles have been placed in your life that need a miracle today? Could God be setting the stage in your life for you to trust Him at new levels you've never trusted before? God sets the stage to allow His power to be revealed for those willing to exercise the faith of a mustard seed. All things are possible with God.

“Give Your Worries To The Lord”

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." – Philippians 4:6
James Cash Penney born on September 16, 1875, on a small farm outside Hamilton, Missouri. He was raised in an abiding faith in God and the Christian ethic of the Golden Rule. In 1902, he opened his first dry goods store in Kemmerer, Wyoming called The Golden Rule Store. His store became a hit and by the end of 1912, there were 34 Golden Rule Stores with sales exceeding $2 million. In 1929, J.C. Penney's business was highly unstable. He began to worry and became sleepless. He worried to such an extreme that he contracted painful shingles. Penny was hospitalized and given tranquilizers, but it was no help. He still worried about his business. One night, he felt that he was about to die. He started writing farewells to his wife, son, and friends. But by the next morning, as he was lying on bed, he heard singing from the hospital chapel next door: "No matter what may be the test, God will take care of you. . ." Suddenly he leaned up, thinking: "It is real! God loves and cares for, me." In no time, he had jumped out of his bed and entered the chapel. Penny gave his worries to Christ and the Lord continued to bless him.
Jesus Christ is bigger than any worry that you may have. Today in prayer, give the Lord your worries and rejoice in His goodness.
"Let us give up our work, our plans, ourselves, our lives, our loved ones, our influence, our all, right into [God's] hand; and then, when we have given all over to Him, there will be nothing left for us to be troubled about." - Hudson Taylor
God's Word: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" - Matthew 6:25-26

“People Over Profits”

Masters, give your bondservants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. —Colossians 4:1

Cathy's slogan is: "Put people and principles before profit." It's a motto each of us can make our own, whether we give orders or take them on the job.

That's an example we can take to work.

Lord, teach me how to love and work,
That everything I do
May be to someone in its turn
A service good and true.

When people are more important than profits, everyone profits.

“Business As A Ministry”

Matthew 16:26

Matthew 5:13-16

“Roll ‘Em Up”

Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. — James 2:18

That statement has more meat in it than a Wendy's triple burger. Thomas knew about hard work in the restaurant business, and he knew it is vital in the spiritual world too.

In James 2:17, we read that unless our faith is accompanied by works, our faith is dead. Let's roll up our sleeves and get to work. There's plenty to do.

Let's gladly work in serving Christ,
For faith alone is dead;
Let's labor out of love for Him
Who suffered in our stead.

A living faith is a working faith.

“Closet Christian”

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. —Matthew 5:16

Christians should lead exemplary lives. But it's important that we reveal the Source of strength and life who enables us to be different. As Jesus said, "Let your light so shine…” Like a brightly shining light
In the darkness of the night,
We will stand for truth and right—
Let the whole world know!

It's the life behind the words that makes your testimony effective.

“William Colgate”

The prosperous businessman now instructed his bookkeeper to open an account with the Lord and to credit to it one tenth of all his income.

“Jesus Standing Outside”

Once I have arrived, I right away begin to complain about things not going right. Jesus, is sitting with His chin in His hand, looking upward toward the building, wishing He could help me.

“Your Epitaph”

"He will bless those who fear the Lord- small and great alike." Psalm 115:13
What will be written on your epitaph? How do you want people to remember you? What type of legacy will your life leave behind? I interviewed a very successful and powerful man one time for a magazine when this question came up. The man ran an international business that is a household name to all. He was a professed Christian, but he had difficulty answering my question. "I always knew someone would ask that question some day. I am not sure I am any more prepared to answer it now either," was the man's answer. He grappled for a few nice words, but it was clear he had not seriously considered his life much beyond his business success. It is said of George Washington Carver that he got up early in the morning each day to walk alone and pray. He asked God how he was to spend his day and what He wanted to teach him that day. Carver grew up at the close of the Civil War in a one-room shanty on the home of Moses Carver-the man who owned his mother. The Ku Klux Klan had abducted him and his mother, selling her to new owners. He was later found and returned to his owner, but his mother was never seen again. Carver grew up at the height of racial discrimination, yet he had overcome all these obstacles to become one of the most influential men in the history of the United States. He made many discoveries with the use of peanuts and sweet potatoes. However, after he recommended farmers to plant peanuts and sweet potatoes instead of cotton, he was led into his greatest trial. The farmers lost even more money due to the lack of market for peanuts and sweet potatoes. Carver cried out to the Lord, "Mr. Creator, why did You make the peanut?" Many years later, he shared that God led him back to his lab and worked with him to discover some 300 marketable products from the peanut. Likewise, he made over 100 discoveries from the sweet potato. These new products created a demand for peanuts and sweet potatoes, and they were major contributors to rejuvenating the Southern economy. As he made new discoveries, he never became successful monetarily, but he overcame great rejection during his lifetime for being black. He was offered six-figure income opportunities from Henry Ford, and he became friends with presidents of his day, yet he knew what God had called him to do. His epitaph read:
“He could have added fortune to fame, but caring for neither, he found happiness and honor in being helpful to the world.”