PART 3 – RIGHT PLANNING
A verse which is relevant to the running of a business on Biblical principles is found in Proverbs 16:3 “Commit your works to the LORD, and your thoughts shall be established.”
This verse seems, on first reading, to be round the wrong way. We would feel more comfortable if our thinking came before our doing, but God has reversed the order for a good reason. He wants us to set before Him our plans, or enterprises, and our intentions FIRST. So before we get to the “thinking” part, we have to make it clear what we hope to DO.
To apply this in practical terms, let us imagine we are thinking of starting a business. It is a good idea to begin by describing what we hope to do with that business. So think of what we would expect to do if we opened a shop, for example. Or perhaps a tourist adventure – what service do we intend to provide? What equipment will we need? Where will we provide the service? How many people will work in this enterprise? And so on.
New businesses need to work out the general parameters of the business – site, size, stock, suppliers, type of customers, staff, vehicles, and so on. There are dozens of details which need to be decided on before the doors open. For this to be done properly it is always wise to get advice from other people who already have the experience.
So, having committed your works to the Lord (if you are a Christian who likes to allow God into the equation) but even if you are not, the principle is still good, you then find that your “thoughts will be established.”
In other words, having done the ‘spade work’ and started up, your mind is at ease because you are not charging into something armed only with enthusiasm and hope. Your “thoughts” will be in order, and you will have confidence. Having done the homework, you will now be ready to face the test.
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 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
How to run a business using Bible principles – Part 13