Christianity is a faith that is peculiar and unique in its kind. The Bible, in its 66 canonized books, has been careful to list down principles by which Christians should live by in every sphere of life known to man and yet the scriptures tell us that if everything the Christ taught and did had been recorded, the earth could not contain it (John 21:25). It’s also important to recognize that within some Pentecostal, non-denominational, and Protestant circles, there has been a history of legalism that distorted certain biblical principles.
These often discourage initiative and productivity, and in some cases, fostering passivity instead of cultivating diligent, God-centered changemakers. For every believer that believes the Bible as the supreme authority, you have a more sure word to cling on in every situation you will face in this world (2 Peter 1:19). Naturally, challenges are guaranteed but everyone who is careful to observe the counsel of God, is also empowered by the spirit to understand even deeper truths generally hinged upon obedience to what has already been revealed. Although the list would be inexhaustible, in this article we will break down seven principles and biblical truth that undergird them to be salt and light in the dark corners of the marketplace.
- INTEGRITY IN ALL THINGS
Better is the poor who walks in his integrity, than one perverse in his ways, though he be rich. – Proverbs 28:3 NKJV
Integrity is defined as the quality of being whole, consistent, and morally upright, especially when no one is watching. Children of God must walk conscious of the fact that we have an audience of one before we can consider anyone else; meaning where others may not be watching God still is. This is beyond doing what’s right because you are being watched but simply because your heart upholds truth and does all it can to mirror your belief. A Christian in a leadership position of any kind should not only set principles but live by them and hold everyone around them, regardless of personal relationships, to the same standard.
- STEWARDSHIP AND NOT OWNERSHIP
“Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.” – 1 Corinthians 4:2 NKJV
Whether you are a minister, a business owner, a leader in a certain company, it is important to always remember that you don’t own people and you are a steward of resources. Ownership is only advised when it is a matter of taking responsibility, leading by example and treating everything your hand finds to do like your own so that you can work at it excellently. Whereas, stewardship is all about viewing all assets, resources, and people as entrusted by God to oversee for His glory, but not to own. Stewardship encourages generosity, and faithful guardianship, while ownership applied in the place of stewardship encourages greed, wastefulness and may cause irreparable damage when it comes to humans, especially in ministries and businesses.
- DILIGENCE AND EXCELLENCE
“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might…” – Ecclesiastes 9:10 NKJV
Working in a way that honors God doesn’t have to be for people employed in religious institutions but for every believer. As a child of God in the marketplace, you ought to aim for excellence not just efficiency; set a standard that you can be trusted and remain faithful to your masters. I always tell people that untested holiness is no holiness at all and I strongly believe that everything we are currently involved in, whether it being work, relationships or alliances are all there to serve a purpose in our sanctification process. A difficult boss could be God’s instrument to teach you humility and perseverance, a slow colleague could be the same to teach you patience and forbearance – the point is nothing is wasted in God’s hands. Do not waste any opportunity to glorify God, instead let every encounter with you pave the way for the seeds that ought to be planted in people’s lives (1 Corinthians 3:6).
- JUSTICE AND FAIRNESS
“A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is His delight.”– Proverbs 11:1 NKJV
Injustice is one of the most diabolical influences that can reflect in a sinful nature. Not only does it harm the person being unjust but deeply wounds the one experiencing it, and depending on what the circumstance is – could cause irreversible damage in those who experience it. From forced labor, to discrimination and racism, to corruption, fraud, intimidation, wage theft – all to name a few, these things are part of our daily lives. God does not let these go unnoticed, nor unpunished. Though it may tarry, wait for it.
As it pertains to fairness, men tend to consider what is fair based on what advantages them, which makes the subject of fairness often subjective. However, as children of God, we have certain scriptures that lay the basic principle. For example, Colossians 4:1 commands masters to give fair wages to those whom they employ, Proverbs 11:1 encourages honesty and integrity in business dealings and many more. The standard for us is to do what glorifies God behind closed doors as much as we do before open doors.
- SERVANT LEADERSHIP
“But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant.” – Matthew 23:11 NKJV
According to Scripture, to be a servant is literally defined as to adopt the posture, priorities, and character of Christ, placing the good of others above oneself, willingly and humbly. The biblical concept of servanthood is not just about action, but identity. It’s not a role we step into temporarily; it’s a way of life that reflects God’s kingdom through his children. In the marketplace, if you have not understood our theme scripture, you will sink deeper into pride the higher up the ladder you go. A leader who is devoted to Christ’s way is also a leader who is sensitive enough to know that they are only a steward and hold all things with open hands, judge matters with justice and fairness.
- WEALTH FOR PURPOSE
“Command those who are rich… to be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share.” – 1 Timothy 6:17-18 KJV
Wealth in the hands of a child of God should never be something to hoard. If you understand the heart of God, you know that He is on the lookout for those who are generous to bless them even more as they continue in their endeavors to bless others, their communities and fund the works of His Kingdom on earth. I have often reiterated that we cannot all be behind the pulpit but whoever is not graced in such a way is graced in a different way which can ultimately contribute to the saving of souls. Let therefore everyone, according to the grace given them, be quick to respond accordingly.
- ACCOUNTABILITY AND COUNSEL
“Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” – Proverbs 11:14 KJV
Everything we have discussed above has demonstrated the depth of responsibility that is laid upon us for whoever has been given much shall be required of much (Luke 12:48). In light of that, it is impossible to carry out all the above without counsel to provide both assurance and seasoned wisdom extended through like minded and God-fearing individuals. Naturally, with counsel comes accountability because when an individual is teachable enough to receive counsel, they acknowledge that they do not know everything and therefore could make mistakes and be corrected.
Let this mind that was in Christ also be in you, for you are His ambassador on earth.
If you have never given your life to Jesus Christ and feel that this is the right time, pray this prayer:
“Lord Jesus, I thank You because You died for my sins, and You were raised for my glory. Today, I receive You as my Lord and Savior. I am born again. Amen.”
