Faith Integration Paper
Table of Contents
Abstract............................................................................................................................................3
Introduction......................................................................................................................................4
Managerial Ethics............................................................................................................................4
Corporate Responsibility.............................................................................................................5
Employee Satisfaction.................................................................................................................5
Financial Planning /Budgeting........................................................................................................6
Risk and Return...............................................................................................................................6
Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................7
References........................................................................................................................................8
Faith Integration Paper
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to provide a Christian vantage point to help the reader understand topics
of finance and how it relates and integrates with faith. Each topic will be viewed in the light of
God's word in the context of the current global economic environment. As a business paper, the
purpose is to demonstrate the relevance of faith integration to today's business environment. It is
emphasized in scripture several times that stewards must conduct their business in a manner that
is moral and ethical.
Faith Integration Paper
Introduction
Finances are constantly changing in our world and as such, it is important that one
understands the Biblical perspective on them so that they can stay in line with the will of God.
By understanding God's word in the Bible, faith integration can be properly manifested in the
practice of leadership. In order to please God, Christians should abide by the biblical principles
regarding financial matters. Shareholders and investors hold many assets like stocks, derivatives,
bonds, etc., all of which have both the potential for a positive or negative return. The Christian
faith also requires that financial managers and investors follow biblical principles in order to act
in the best interests of others, as opposed to acting for their own financial gain and few verses
speak better to this than Luke 12:15 which states “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds
of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions. (NIV, 2023)”. With this in mind
one should consider Managerial Ethics, financial planning and budgeting as key principles to
understand both from a business perspective and faith perspective.
Managerial Ethics
The theme of moral decision-making is a central one in the Bible and business
relationships are also characterized by fairness and justice in many passages. Faith must be
incorporated into this course in order for students to understand how their beliefs influence their
businesses. As a result, we are reminded to act in a morally consistent manner and to make
choices that uphold a high standard and moral compass. A crucial aspect of this area is focusing
on the importance of helping those who are in need and utilizing one's resources in order to do
so. Now there are a few ways to look at this as it relates to corporate responsibility, shareholder
value and employee satisfaction. Lynn et. Al (2011) in their article, Connecting religion and
Faith Integration Paper
work speak to the need for mangers to refrain from sticking to what it is and try to create new
and more innovative ways to improve company performance.
Corporate Responsibility
Compliance with government regulations and rules is only one aspect of corporate
expectations and deliverables. It is important for companies to maintain proper procedures in the
way they run their businesses. Company owners hire managers to handle the issues that come up
with running a business on a daily basis and as such, ensuring that these managers have and
operate under high ethical standards as this only raises the company’s entire outlook and almost
ensures that no legal issues or shortcomings arise. Now from a biblical perspective, Mark 12:17
in the NIV bible speaks well to this when it references the need to give to Caesar what belongs to
Caesar and to God what belongs to God. So simply put ensuring that the orders of government or
corporate responsibility remain sorted out and are properly managed are just as important to
successfully keeping a company afloat.
Employee Satisfaction
According to Peters et. al (2017) in their article Jesus centered leadership and business
applications, there have been a number of studies conducted recently in which the application of
a "Jesus-centered leadership" style to business has been explored and with that approach there is
an emphasis put on combating the manipulation, materialism and other negative aspects that has
become so commonly found in the world of business today. Managers should always look at
employee as the energy that drives the business and as such should endeavor to treat and make
sure that they treat them with the utmost respect and make sure they see leadership by example.
Now this is important because leadership by example and proper dealings with employees
reinforces their desire and vigor to not only to follow a manager’s lead but also creates a strong
Faith Integration Paper
of internal value. This internal drive will only go a long way to ensure higher production for the
company. From the biblical perspective, managers should always assume the role of a shepherd
and Psalms 78:72 speaks to this perfectly and it states “With upright heart he shepherded them
and guided them with his skillful hand. (NIV, 2023)".
Financial Planning /Budgeting
A budget is a small scale version of ensuring that on reaches a final goal. Financial planning
involves having a long term plan and Banks (2018) in an article, the importance of budgeting in
business speaks to how budgets can help and ensure businesses reach their long-term financial
goals more quickly than businesses without any budgets or ones that shy away from them. Now
tying this to a Christian perspective, our faith in itself is a lifetime walk and commitment and as
such, one must properly plan and stick to the actions that ensure that faith in Christ does fault or
waver as the years go by. Proverbs 21:5 states "The plans of the diligent lead to profit as
certainly as haste leads to poverty” (NIV, 2023). This verse ties in perfectly with this financial
concepts as most businesses not only aim for short term gain but strategize to ensure that they
enjoy long term gain as well.
Risk and Return
Now it is undeniable that every business comes with some associated risk and as
managers, it falls on us to properly understand these risks and the return they provide when
managing or assigning financial resources. Now from a Christian’s perspective, being a Christ
follower in a secular world can be seen as risk as well. Many people one may encounter in the
real world believe that to be a waste of time with absolutely no reward or light at the end of the
tunnel. Scripture serves and other physical and empirical evidences serve as ones guide to and
the faith held that the sacrifice on earth has a return well worth its weight in gold. 1 Corinthians
Faith Integration Paper
15:58 states “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always
give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is
not in vain” (NIV, 2023).
Conclusion
Finance professionals are tasked with the difficult responsibly of making decisions that
can either benefit or hinder a company. In every situation, these professionals must stay faithful
to God and follow through with good intentions. Through the incorporation of these principles
into Managerial Finance, one will develop a greater understanding of fiscal responsibility and
moral decision-making. As well as providing inspiration for the use of one's resources to benefit
others, the Bible can also provide guidelines for practicing financial generosity.
Faith Integration Paper
References
Banks, K. (2018, February 28). The Importance of Budgeting in Business: WLF Accounting
&Advisory. Retrieved from https://wlf.com.au/importance-budgeting-business/
Lynn, M. L., Naughton, M. J., & VanderVeen, S. (2011). Connecting religion and work: Patterns
and influences of work-faith integration. Human relations, 64(5), 675-701.
New International Version Bible. (2023). NIV Online. https://www.thenivbible.com
Peters, R., Ricks, J. M., & Doval, C. (2017). Jesus centered leadership and business applications:
An alternative approach. Business and Society Review(1974), 122(4),
589-612.https://doi.org/10.1111/basr.12132
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