Biblical Principles That Are Also Business Principles
I was reading my bible this a.m. and came across a blurb in my study bible that really grabbed me. It is biblical principles, but I also believe they are applicable to business. They are now part of my personal spiritual and business/ethical mission statement.
From my study bible (related to 2 Timothy 4:3):
Sound doctrine is the eternal, unchanging truth about God and the gospel. Doctrine that merely scratches "itching ears" cares nothing for the truth; its concern is that it sound good. It focuses on what the listeners want to hear -- and on what they will pay for. The distinction is not always so neat, however. Sound doctrine does sound good to some ears. And even the most crass manipulator comes up with bits of truth. Here is a description of the range of approaches to doctrine:
Charlatans. At one end of the scale, charlatans cheat and deceive to sell their ideas. They change their message when it's in their own interest to do so, paying close attention to the likes and dislikes of their audience. Charlatans want the power and profit that goes with a "successful" teaching career. Paul viewed the false teachers in Ephesus as charlatans.
Marketers. In the middle of the spectrum are marketers -- salesmen of religious ideas, experts at whetting people's appetites for their ideas. Sometimes they use tactics that border on the manipulative. Marketers know what they want to communicate, but they're willing to modify it somewhat to help it sell. Marketers are only half-motivated by self-interest. They also have a genuine desire to serve their audience.
Contextualizers. At the other end of the spectrum are contextualizers -- those whose goal is to communicate so people can understand, guarding the integrity of the message as they do. Missionaries, for example, look for the best way to communicate across cultural boundaries. Contextualizers are sincere -- concerned about their listeners, rather than their own personal gain.
I can see this also being applied to:
Business - Do you "do right" by your customers by telling the hard truths, or do you say what your customers want to hear so they will pay you and respect you?)
Personal Life - Do you speak your truths or do you compromise your truths so that others will like you? Do you do your best to convey your truth by understanding how someone else communicates?
I know that in past seasons of my life, I have been a Marketer of my Self. My journey the past several years has moved me into being more of a Contextualizer. I want to continue that journey!
I am very excited about all of this, because it gives me language for what I have been experiencing.
Does this blog post spark thoughts in your mind? If so, I'd love to hear 'em...do share!
From my study bible (related to 2 Timothy 4:3):
Sound doctrine is the eternal, unchanging truth about God and the gospel. Doctrine that merely scratches "itching ears" cares nothing for the truth; its concern is that it sound good. It focuses on what the listeners want to hear -- and on what they will pay for. The distinction is not always so neat, however. Sound doctrine does sound good to some ears. And even the most crass manipulator comes up with bits of truth. Here is a description of the range of approaches to doctrine:
Charlatans. At one end of the scale, charlatans cheat and deceive to sell their ideas. They change their message when it's in their own interest to do so, paying close attention to the likes and dislikes of their audience. Charlatans want the power and profit that goes with a "successful" teaching career. Paul viewed the false teachers in Ephesus as charlatans.
Marketers. In the middle of the spectrum are marketers -- salesmen of religious ideas, experts at whetting people's appetites for their ideas. Sometimes they use tactics that border on the manipulative. Marketers know what they want to communicate, but they're willing to modify it somewhat to help it sell. Marketers are only half-motivated by self-interest. They also have a genuine desire to serve their audience.
Contextualizers. At the other end of the spectrum are contextualizers -- those whose goal is to communicate so people can understand, guarding the integrity of the message as they do. Missionaries, for example, look for the best way to communicate across cultural boundaries. Contextualizers are sincere -- concerned about their listeners, rather than their own personal gain.
I can see this also being applied to:
Business - Do you "do right" by your customers by telling the hard truths, or do you say what your customers want to hear so they will pay you and respect you?)
Personal Life - Do you speak your truths or do you compromise your truths so that others will like you? Do you do your best to convey your truth by understanding how someone else communicates?
I know that in past seasons of my life, I have been a Marketer of my Self. My journey the past several years has moved me into being more of a Contextualizer. I want to continue that journey!
I am very excited about all of this, because it gives me language for what I have been experiencing.
Does this blog post spark thoughts in your mind? If so, I'd love to hear 'em...do share!
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