Christian Essays

PART 13 – JESUS IS THE END RESULT
The Bible is not the only place you will find the Ten Commandments. They appear in different forms and in different words in every culture and race of Mankind. They have been codified as far back as written history goes.
In some cases the rules are modified, but the principles remain much the same: There is a God to be worshipped, parents and elders are to be respected, murder, adultery, theft and lying are wrong, and greed is evil. The only exception is the law of the Sabbath, which was not endorsed by Jesus, but it is common practice for people to seek a time of rest if they work hard.
Applied to a business, a manager and staff would benefit greatly if they put God, the true God, at the head of their lives. Instead of seeking personal gain, the priority would be to please God. Jesus commanded that people should love God, love their neighbour, and love themselves. This, He said, was the first and greatest commandment. When you think of the probable results involved in obeying this command, the logical outflow would be a blessing on everyone – if everyone obeyed it. When customers come in to a shop they like to feel respected, loved, appreciated. In some cases, this is the determining advantage one business has over another. What business would run successfully if it included regular murders, sexual misconduct, theft, and lying? How could a business survive if the manager wanted only the massing of personal wealth or power. This is the kind of behaviour common to military dictatorships, rather than good government.
God’s word is universal. It works for all people, all cultures, at all times. It was given to mankind for two reasons. First, to give us a framework in which to live, just as a set of rules allows a sports team to play. The boundaries define the limits, but within those limits the players have a lot of freedom. The rules protect and govern the game, and if kept, the game is considered enjoyable. The second reason God gave us the Ten Rules is to show us how difficult it is for any of us to meet the standard of righteousness which would qualify any of us to enter God’s Kingdom. Many people can keep many of the Ten Commandments, but not one person has ever kept all of them perfectly. We all slip up, at one time or another, in childhood, in youth, or during day to day living. And if we should think for a moment that we might be ‘good enough’ for God, we find that the bar is raised even higher by Jesus. He said murder is equivalent to hating, and lust is equivalent to adultery. Our thoughts condemn us just as heartily as our words and actions – in God’s sight.
But the Ten Commandments were not given to discourage us. They are a signpost, with ten words, all pointing to the death of Jesus Christ. There the one who gave the Law, took the penalty for our breach of the Law. Because Jesus died, and rose again, any who trust and obey Jesus receive eternal life and complete forgiveness. Following that, God gives His own Spirit to believers, to help them obey His rules, not only in letter, but also in the deeper way, in the spirit.
If the manager and staff are Christians, real Spirit-led Christians, and the Bible is their guide in every aspect of their lives, they can expect success, and prosperity, as a general rule, and not as an exception. Biblical business principles, linked to committed Christ trusters, is a winning combination.

How to run a business using Bible principles – Introduction
How to run a business using Bible principles – Part 1
How to run a business using Bible principles – Part 2
How to run a business using Bible principles – Part 3
How to run a business using Bible principles – Part 4
How to run a business using Bible principles – Part 5
How to run a business using Bible principles – Part 6
How to run a business using Bible principles – Part 7
How to run a business using Bible principles – Part 8
How to run a business using Bible principles – Part 9
How to run a business using Bible principles – Part 10
How to run a business using Bible principles – Part 11
How to run a business using Bible principles – Part 12