Thought for the Week

by WorkPlace Inspired, Watford

(www.workplaceinspired.com).

Bible Verse

"Listen to this, you who rob the poor and trample down the needy! You can’t wait for the Sabbath day to be over and the religious festivals to end so you can get back to cheating the helpless.

You measure out grain with dishonest measures and cheat the buyer with dishonest scales. And you mix the grain you sell with chaff swept from the floor. Then you enslave poor people for one piece of silver or a pair of sandals.

Now the Lord has sworn this oath by his own name, the Pride of Israel; 'I will never forget the wicked things you have done! The earth will tremble for your deeds, and everyone will mourn.'" Amos 8: 4-8

Thought

I sometimes wonder how Jesus ran his carpentry business. He needed to make money; after all, once Joseph had died Jesus had a large family to support. Did he sit up at nights doing the books and worrying about his P&L? One thing we can be sure of, Jesus’ business practices were scrupulously open and his profit was honestly made. And he probably even arrived at a customer’s at the time he said he was going to!

But how do we measure up to the instructions given by God through the Amos? At a recent meeting of our Entrepreneurs and Business group we considered the prophet on profit. What are the modern equivalents of using dishonest scales, selling adulterated grain or enslaving the poor? There are some that are surprisingly easy to fall into. Paying a contractor cash in hand when we suspect that he might not be declaring his taxable income properly. Or taking at face value what we are told about the working conditions of overseas suppliers. Or what about the little white lie that we overheard one of our salespeople using?

The good news is that God will help us to increase our honesty and integrity if we ask him, and that he will provide for the needs of those who use their businesses to honour him. If we use his wisdom rather than worldly wisdom then we can truly make an honest profit. And as Jesus said, if we are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust us with the true riches of heaven?

Prayer Pointers

For all Christian entrepreneurs and business people, Kingdom workers in a foreign land. For courage, and ears to hear God.

For Christians who run their own businesses that they would not be worn down by the ways of the world but would strive to run their businesses by Kingdom principles. We pray for financial protection in the current economic climate.

For the witness these businesses provide, to customers, suppliers and employees.

For those who work in other people’s companies that they would use the influence they have in their businesses. And for the witness provided by honest and dedicated workers at all levels.

For the people of Watford, especially Christians involved in business in the town. May we work together to make Watford a beacon of hope. We thank God for what is happening in Watford already.

For WorkPlace Inspired, working with entrepreneurs, business people and all those employed in and around Watford. We ask for the right strategies and for energy to implement them. For continued good relationships with the other Christians churches and agencies in Watford.

For business led 24/7 Prayer Worship and Intercession in Watford.