It’s Just Business
Have you ever heard the phrase, “it’s just business”? Maybe you have even used it from time to time to justify a decision you made for the good of the company. I have found most often it is used when people or relationship are taken out of the equation.
I have made a lot of business decisions over the course of my career and would contend that most of them were made for the good of the business. However, unfortunately, consideration of the impact on others was not at the top of my list. I thought that was just how business was done, and I was a good Christian on the weekends when I would go to church or serve the homeless. However, since I have learned what it means to integrate my faith and work and come to understand God wants to be part of my whole life, I realize nothing is ever “just business.”
If it were “just business,” that would mean every encounter we have with another person or business is a transaction with the opportunity to have a bottom-line impact.
What if instead we practiced “Kingdom business,” where every encounter we have with another person or business is an interaction with the opportunity to have an eternal impact.
Am I saying we have to choose between bottom-line impact and eternal impact? No, not at all. Clearly any successful business would need to have some regard for the bottom-line. However, it cannot be the primary or sole focus, or come at the expense of the relationships that are set before us. Focusing on the business alone not only leaves people out of the equation but also God.
So how do we practice Kingdom business? Paul gives us some great instructions:
Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. [Jesus’s 2nd commandment behind love God]
Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!
Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
Romans 12:9-18 NLT
If we can learn to put these valuable instructions into practice, our businesses will thrive and the people you encounter will be changed. They will see there is something different about you and your business.
You never know… the two-minute interaction you have with someone might change their life forever. Every encounter is an opportunity for you to show God’s love to someone. If we live this way, it can never be just business.
Lord, thank you for wanting to be part of all of our lives, including our work. Help us keep our eyes open to the people you bring into our workday. Let us see each one as an opportunity to build Kingdom business that will last forever. Amen.
Kathy is VP of Perishables at On-Shelf Marketing Group, a local broker for the Kroger family of stores. She has over 22 years of experience working for the Kroger Co. She was previously Director of Culinary Development where she was responsible for leading innovation and new food concept development. Prior to that, she was Director of Food Service on the deli/bakery team, where she was responsible for Starbucks, Sushi and other third-party relationships. She also held the position of Sr Category Manager for grocery and Corporate Brand Sr Culinary Innovation Manager, where she led innovation and strategy work across all departments.
Kathy received a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Butler University in Indianapolis. She has been named one of Progressive Grocer’s Top Women in Grocery. Kathy also founded a women’s ministry called Women in the Marketplace, Inc, a non-profit that helps working women grow in faith, build relationships and impact the community.