Bible and Organizations 1
Week 6 Assignment
Bible and Organizations
School of Business, Liberty University
BUSI 735: Strategic Organization Design and Theory
Bible and Organizations 2
Abstract
In a Christian nation guided by and dependent on the principles of the Bible, it is not a stretch to
apply these principles within business organizations. Many verses transcend religion and relate
directly to business. Matthew 5:16 speaks to the principle of light and the importance of
allowing one's light to shine, glorifying the Lord. Luke 6:38 highlights the importance of
generosity in giving and receiving, promoting the same generous energy in return. Proverbs 3:1-
2 emphasizes that believing in and living by God’s commands can lead to longevity and peace.
All of these verses support organizational values such as hard work, economics, and longevity
when they are internalized and applied within the organization. Understanding these verses and
their direct relationship to organizations is crucial because they serve as guidelines for doing
what is right for employees, customers, and those served by the company. Leading
organizations can benefit from the truths of the Bible and its teachings through the practical
application of scripture.
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Introduction
In a world where businesses compete globally, it is imperative to lean on a set of guiding
principles that support a company’s overall mission in order to remain viable. In addition to the
goal and mission statements, which provide a roadmap for success, applying the principles of
the Bible adds an ethical layer. Globally, employees increasingly desire meaning and values
alignment in their jobs, with over 80% of workers affirming the importance of religious faith or
belief expression at work (Sangwa & Mutabazi, 2025).
The integration of biblical principles into business practices is not merely a philosophical
exercise but a practical approach to fostering sustainable success grounded in values such as
integrity, stewardship, and compassion (Fernandes, 2024). Organizations benefit from applying
biblical principles within their organizations. In a thriving organization that embraces the Bible’s
influence, religion represents one important source of morality and is known to influence
ethical behavior (Hans, 2024).
One other influence not often mentioned is the application of biblical principles from a
personal perspective. Many of the Bible's teachings can be applied without the broader context
of it being a company-wide practice. Personal interpretations of Bible verses that yield positive
interactions and deeds in the workplace are always welcome and provide each employee with
the responsibility to do what is right, both morally and ethically, to contribute to the overall
success.
The key to understanding how to apply biblical principles in the workplace is to realize
that living as a true Christian does not turn on or off when a person arrives at or leaves work.
These principles are deeply rooted and are an integral part of who they are. Considering the
amount of time the average person spends working (including commuting), their personal lives,
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and how they carry themselves, it is important to recognize that the motivation behind this
employee and their inward calling must come from something beyond themselves, grounded in
their spiritual values (Hatta & Lie, 2022).
This research will explore three Bible verses that contribute positively to an
organization’s principles and the truths they convey, and analyze them to convey their true
meaning, with a focus on their application to the typical work environment. They will serve as a
foundation and a small window into how scripture affects leadership and drives the treatment
of employees in the workplace. Additionally, the scriptures will highlight the mentality servant
leaders develop when they apply biblical principles within their organizations. Finally, the overall
goal is to understand that the work we perform is a calling not only an individual one but also a
communal one, bringing one into a relationship not only with God but also with a body of
believers (Keller, 2014).
Bible Verses In Organizations
For organizations to succeed, they need a clear mission, solid guidance, and a strong
leadership structure. Every individual within the organization must be dedicated to success and
understand what that success entails. One essential element of any organization is its people
and how they are treated. What proper treatment looks like and what it ultimately becomes
starts from the top and flows down to the lowest employee. Leaders decide how they will lead
—the style and method—but having a biblical mindset has proven to be a distinguishing mark of
effective leadership. The Bible is full of timeless insights into faith-based, servant, patient, and
wise leadership, rooted in direct quotations from scripture (Fowler, 2024). The following
scriptures aim to drive these points home and establish a foundation for the servant leader.
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From an individual perspective, Matthew 5:16 states, “In the same way, let your light
shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven”
(Bible Gateway, 2025). This particular Bible verse provides purpose and motivation to fulfill
one's duties to the best of one's ability. A deeper understanding is gained by interpreting the
Book of Matthew and its meaning. According to Powell (2023), Matthew offers a compelling
portrait of a world where compassion and mercy are key virtues, forgiveness and justice are top
priorities, children are valued, outcasts are accepted, enemies are loved, and all people are
treated with unselfish benevolence.
Personal accountability and performance come together seamlessly in the workplace. In
this passage, the light being referenced symbolizes clarity and honesty. In our lives, our
goodness should be evident in our actions and decisions. We are not doing well to seek
recognition, but so that others can see those good deeds and connect them back to God, who
enables us to perform them (Scripture Savvy, 2025). When employees carry out their duties for
the glory of God, that goodness shines in the workplace, adding "light."
Giving of oneself is also vital in the workplace and can be seen as a selfless act of
kindness and generosity. Luke 6:38 states, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure,
pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the
measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Bible Gateway, 2025). The verse instructs us that
if we give of ourselves in abundance, we shall receive our blessings back in abundance. These
are divine eschatological rewards, which will be all the richer because they have not been
anticipated by any human return (Barclay, 2022).
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In the workplace, Luke teaches us to give of ourselves in abundance as an investment. It
reassures that giving, whether in love, forgiveness, or material resources, is not loss but an
investment in the inexhaustible resources of God’s Kingdom (Presenting the Gospel, 2025).
When workers perform duties beyond their listed responsibilities, managers reward them with
various tools available. Perhaps the most rewarding part of all is the positive impact it has in the
workplace and the gratitude the employee feels when they go above and beyond to accomplish
the organization's goals.
The final verse, which represents longevity, comes from the Book of Proverbs. Proverbs
3:1-2 states, “My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they
will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity (Bible Gateway, 2025). This
verse applies to organizations focused on sustainability and performing acts that keep the
company viable in a competitive market. Also of note is the adherence to God’s commands and
the instruction to hold them close to the heart, and in return, there will be prolonged life. In
business, sustainability can be achieved by doing what is right, whether for the customer,
employees, or the community. The promise of a prolonged life, peace, and prosperity signifies
that adhering to wisdom is not merely a matter of intellectual assent but has tangible benefits
(Devotion Hub, 2025).
The implied knowledge factor in Proverbs 3:1-2 is that those who apply it in the
workplace and implement its principles will gain wisdom. Wisdom itself promotes longevity.
Vasconcelos (2022) defines wisdom as a function of deep, accurate insight and understanding of
the core existential issues of life, along with practical skill in responding effectively and
benevolently. It is interesting that possessing and understanding the Lord's teachings, keeping
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them constantly in your heart, is an act of wisdom in practice and simultaneously demonstrates
an understanding of scripture.
Organizational Principles
There is an argument that an organizational principle can be applied to many verses in the
Bible. While the organizational principle applicable to the Book of Matthew varies, the use of
distinctive spaces and their ability to foster specific environments seem most relevant. Another
is the personal promotion of growth, which is a key factor in employee development. The
scripture mentions letting your light shine, and these two principles present the best
opportunity for that to happen. When putting these two principles together, we end up with a
positive workplace culture, which is a bedrock upon which innovation flourishes, productivity
soars, and job satisfaction becomes the norm rather than the exception (Birchfield, 2024).
Employees in organizations want to do the best for their companies. They sacrifice
hours, time away from families, and, in some cases, adjust the way they interact with people in
general to be successful for themselves and their company. We were built for work and the
dignity it gives us as human beings, regardless of its status or pay (Keller, 2014). It is inherent
that most people will let their “light shine,” as we are instilled with the desire to do our best and
adhere to the principles of the Bible.
Luke 6:38 encourages us to give in abundance, anticipating that the reward will be
greater than the offering. Two organizational principles come to mind when reading and
reflecting on this verse: Encouraging cooperation and rewarding high performers. Collaborative
teamwork encourages employees to put in as much, or more, than others. Managers reward
high performers, which makes this principle somewhat of an investment. This give-and-take
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creates a positive work environment, influenced by the willingness to do more good for the
greater good, knowing that the efforts will not go unnoticed.
Collaborative teamwork enhances team performance and is a cornerstone of successful
teams in any organization. Leaders need to ensure that team members are motivated and
willing to work together to achieve their team and organizational goals sustainably (Riisla et al.,
2024).
This lends itself to a two-way process that aligns with Luke 6:38. In almost every situation where
employees give in abundance, it is likely due to their motivation and to the company’s
leadership caring for their needs.
Proverbs 3:1-2 offers guidance for longevity, aligning with the principles of anticipating
the future and preparing for change. Flexible organizations are prepared for inevitable instability
and can adapt to future trends and challenges (O’Malley, 2022). Many organizations have
achieved lasting success. Patience is essential in these situations, and as Merida (2015) reminds
us, “the wicked may prosper for a short time in this life, but the arrow of God’s judgment will
strike, and God, the righteous Judge, will have the last word” (p. 188). Peace and prosperity are
not automatic; they must be worked for and earned to experience their full benefits.
Proverbs 3:1-2 also emphasizes the importance of the mission. The scripture instructs us
to “do not forget my teaching but keep my commands in your heart,” as part of a mission with
the clear reward of longevity. This idea can also be applied to an organization’s effort to prevent
mission drift. Mission drift is a process of organizational change in which an organization
diverges from its core purpose or mission and happens when it undergoes changes in its
preferences, behaviors, values, or identities (Golbspan Lutz et al., 2023). Applying the scripture
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both spiritually and professionally is relevant here and should lead to the desired outcome of
longevity.
Understanding and Applying Biblical Truth
The Bible serves as a guide, offering instructions that help us on earth in whatever role
we have. In business, the principles and teachings of the Bible become valuable as companies
face challenges and daily hurdles. Successful organizations benefit from applying biblical truths
in all areas, provided they have a deep understanding of the scripture's principles and teachings
and know how and when to apply them. It is also important to understand the opposite aspects
of the Bible, recognizing that it is not meant to benefit a company but to inform the reader
about the history and negative impact of those who despised Christ and what he stood for.
Leaders within organizations act as conductors with the mission of creating a unique,
harmonious symphony. While ongoing studies explore what makes the workplace thrive,
spirituality and a sense of being cared for remain top priorities for most companies. With the
understanding that spirituality in the workplace benefits workers' mental health and
performance, leaders must foster this quality in a way that benefits both employees and the
company, supporting overall goals and objectives (Hoang et al., 2023).
When the leadership teams in leading organizations apply the truth of the Bible, there is
much to be gained. Leaders are expected to seek God’s guidance, honor Him in their actions,
and model Christ-like characteristics (Perkins & Shortland, 2024). Leaders must establish a solid
foundation on which to lead and from which to effectively guide others to achieve the best
results. Biblical leadership is intrinsically tied to the character of God. Traits, deeply rooted in
Christian values such as integrity, stewardship, empathy, forgiveness, humility, and faithfulness,
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set effective biblical leaders apart (p. 134). These characteristics are a benefit to any leader and,
when put into practice, set organizations apart.
What is important to understand is that applying the truth of the Bible is not an obvious
act performed by leaders of organizations who go around displaying their religion and making
followers recite Bible verses. When we talk about the “truth,” we refer to teachings that go
beyond religion and define what it means to be a good person. Some of these teachings, which
God calls upon us to reflect on and imitate, include holiness, justice, mercy, faithfulness,
wisdom, love, and grace (Perkins & Shortland, 2024). Leadership grounded in the preservation
of enduring principles garners divine support. True leaders adopt a long-term perspective,
demonstrating humility and pursuing goals with a focus on faithfulness and growth
(Karthikeyan, 2024).
Conclusion
In a world where the ruler of all things is spiritual, practicing spirituality is both
productive and vital to the success of any organization. This research focused on three of many
verses that can be applied to any organization to support the work, the employees, and the
customers they serve. The teachings and qualities of the Bible do not necessarily require
obvious effort; instead, they naturally reflect in our daily lives, in how we go about our days and
how we treat each other. It is reasonable to believe that managers and employees who
consistently demonstrate biblical principles at work also exemplify these principles outside of
work— whether with family, friends, or in other business dealings. Perhaps, what defines an
individual’s calling to leadership and willingness to act is found in Leviticus 19:2, which states,
“Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy” (Bible Gateway, 2025).
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Christian Literature, 167.
Bible Gateway (2025). Leviticus 19:2. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?
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Bible Gateway (2025). Luke 6:38. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/? search=luke
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Bible Gateway (2025). Matthew 5:16. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?
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