Your mind set on the Spirit – Righteousness in Business

Cain lived in the flesh. Abel was righteous. For this, he was murdered by his brother. People who are morally upright expose and shame those who aren't. When we live for God, the world will often hate us because we make it painfully aware of how immoral it is. This sounds brutal and you might think how this would apply to the business world. Let’s start to unpack.

Paul tells us in Romans 8 about life in the Holy Spirit. For Paul there are two types of humans – one who is guided by the sinful human nature, and the other one by the Holy Spirit. A mind controlled by the flesh is full of the things of the flesh, things characteristic of the fallen, sinful human nature. A mind controlled by the Spirit thinks of godly things. Those who are in the flesh do not keep God’s law, and indeed they are unable to keep it. If we decide to follow God, we must make a conscious decision every day to align our lives with God. Without Jesus dying for us on the cross and hence offering us a way to live in peace with God, we all would be guided by our sinful human nature.

Romans 8:5-7 (ESV) “(5) For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. (6) For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. (7) For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot.”

A business according to the Spirit prioritizes truthfulness over profit, valuing ethical conduct above financial and personal gain.

The kingdom of God is a kingdom of abundance. Hence, businesses that follow the principles of God are an expression of abundance too. A kingdom business will have more than enough for every good work, providing for its employees, community and itself. Kingdom businesses act based on:

• Honesty and integrity: the importance of fairness and truthfulness in transactions, condemning deceitful practices

• Fairness and justice: Deceit and dishonesty attacks the very nature of God

• Love your neighbor: Engaging in commerce with love and respect ensures that transactions are beneficial for all parties involved and not exploitative.

• Condemnation of Greed: The Bible warns against the dangers of greed and the pursuit of wealth at the expense of righteousness. Unjust gain is futile. Generosity leads to abundance.

• Accountability and Stewardship: Managing resources with integrity. Luke 16:10 (ESV) teaches, "One is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.”