LIBERTY UNIVERSITY JOHN W. RAWLINGS SCHOOL OF DIVINITY
CLED 700
Biblical Principles on Which to Build a Business
A Paper Submitted to
the Faculty of the School of Divinity
in Candidacy for the Degree of
Doctor of Ministry Department of Christian Leadership and Church Ministries
By
Henry Edwin Shikuku
Lynchburg, Virginia
10/2022
Business leaders often wonder where they can find the best business advice and counsel in
order to build their business. Although good business counsel can be found in a plethora of
books, there is only one book that contains all of the best business secrets that business leaders
need to know to build a successful business and life. That sacred book is the Bible. I have
studied the Bible for years and have often read the words for encouragement, consolation,
improvement, and inspiration. I have also found that it contains the best principles to build a
successful business. The following principles will help any leader grow their business and
kingdom impact so they will be able to hear the words "Well Done" both in this life and the
next.
Principle #1 - Always Take the Second Step
Go a little further. Always do more than anticipated and expected. Surprise others by
paying attention to the little things that others don't. Be different.
A principle that is helpful in building a life and building a business is the principle of going
the second mile. Good companies develop a second-mile mentality. Jesus himself gives this
principle in Matthew 5:41. The New Century Version records the statement as, "If someone
forces you to go with him one mile, go with him two miles." Jesus gives this principle to his
followers as a way for them to separate themselves from the culture in which they were living
to help others to see Him more clearly. In business, we also need to separate ourselves so that
others can see our business more clearly. Too many companies expect second-mile results
without giving second-mile effort. It is always a good idea to do more than expected. Every
company would be wise to cultivate a second-mile mentality throughout their business.
Too many businesses expect second-mile results without giving second-mile effort. Ken
Gosnell
Principle #2 - The Golden Rule Works If You Work It.
Make People First Things. Think of others first. Treat others like you want to be treated.
Practice thoughtfulness. When you think of the customers, they will think of you.
A helpful Biblical Principle on which to build a business is found in Luke 6:31. This verse,
which is known as the Golden Rule, states that we should "Do unto others as you would have
them do unto you." Many great businesses use this principle as the foundation for their
business. J.C. Penny used just this one principle to start and grow his business into a thriving
corporation. He once was quoted as having said, "I cannot remember a time when the Golden
Rule was not my motto and precept, the torch that guided my footsteps." The concept is to
consider others first. The wise business leader and business will always treat others as they
would like to be treated.
Companies that don't think of their customers will not be thought of by their customers.
Principle #3 - Focus on Profit With a Purpose
Know your priorities. Live life and run your business with purpose and vision. Profit is
powerful. Profit used well can lead to both success and significance. Attract others to your
Mission and your Dream. Always Explain your Why.
Every successful business creates profits. It is often quoted in business circles that you
don't have a business until you have a profit. Every company has been established and designed
to create a profit. However, Christian leaders understand that the wrong profit can be
damaging. A biblical principle that Christian leaders must follow is to build businesses that have
a profit with a purpose. Jesus asked his followers in Mark 8:36 "What good is it for someone to
gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?" This verse teaches a powerful principle that every
Christian leader should follow.
Profit is Good, Profit Used for Good is Better
Principle #4 - Know Your Yeses and Your Nos.
Be decisive and make great decisions. Make decisions based on values. Know You "No's."
Say Yes to those things that will make you and organization better. Live up to your Word.
Make your signature mean something. Fulfill your commitments.
Great Decisiveness is a key to influential leadership. People cannot follow a person that
does not know where they are going or why they are going in the direction that they are going.
Jesus gives a secret to leaders when in Matthew 5:36, 37 he states "And do not swear by your
head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. 37 All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or
‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one." The power to say yes or no quickly means
that you know where you are going and what you are trying to accomplish. Make your words
mean something. Develop and build trust relationships by conveying to others that they can
count on you and your commitments. Many leaders lose their influence with others because
they commit to aspirational yeses. Leaders must know their "no's" and be quick to say yes or
no.
Know Your No's because your no's make all the difference.
Principle #5 - Make the Move From Owner to Overseer
Practice steward leadership. Use the resources wisely. Remember that God’s owns it all
and He will reward those that use his resources to their maximum capability. Be ready to give
an answer for all of your decisions. Seek to hear the words "well done."
An essential shift for Christian business owners is moving from ownership to stewardship.
Jesus told a story in Matthew about a faithful servant. He ends the story in Matthew 25:23 with
these words, "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful
with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's
happiness!'" Well Done, those two words are two of the most powerful words in the English
language. It should be the desire of every Christian business owner to hear these words at the
end of their journey.
Well Done, those two words are two of the most powerful words in the English language.
Principle #6 - Trust the Law of Sowing and Reaping
Sow bountifully. Be generous with your seeds. Plant daily. Be constantly trying new
things. Don't be afraid to start small. Practice patience.
Laws of life can be trusted because they have been proven through time. Successful
businesses know and trust the law of sowing and reaping. In 2 Corinthians 9:6 the Bible states
that "the point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows
bountifully will also reap bountifully." The New Living Translation of the Bible records this
principle with these words. "Remember this - a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a
small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop." Don't be afraid of
starting with a small seed. The harvest you are reaping today is from the seeds that you planted
yesterday. Another part of the Bible reminds the readers that we will reap what we sow.
therefore sow bountifully and be on a constant lookout to reap your harvest.
The harvest you reaping today is from the seeds that you planted yesterday.
Principle #7 - Believe and Ask for the Impossible.
Dream Big Impossible Dreams. Set big spiritual goals. Stretch yourself and your team.
Find new ways to look at old problems. Embrace belief. Pray big prayers and expect bigger
answers.
Everything great starts with a dream. The world is better when people dream big and
believe that impossible things can happen. Challenge yourself to ask "what if" questions and
use your imagination to see the world in new and different ways. People desires to be with
leaders and organizations who have big visions. Ephesians 3:20,21 states, "20 Now to him who
is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at
work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations,
for ever and ever! Amen." God wants to do things that amaze you. Dream big and ask God to
do more than you ask or dream. A big vision inspires and attracts. Supersize your thoughts and
your beliefs.
What seems impossible with man, is possible with God.
Principle #8 - Build To The 4th Generation
Work on big 7 year projects. Always do the right thing. Know your core values and
beliefs. Be forward thinking. Make decisions with tomorrow in mind. Prepare for the future
by making the right decision today. Know your foundation.
Don't waste time building things that won't last the test of time. Building on the right
foundation will help your business stand through the storms of market changes. A key to
building a great business is to act with integrity in all situations. Integrity means doing the right
thing in all situations at all times. Martin Luther King Jr. taught that "The time is always right to
do what is right." He might have taken his inspiration from the words of Proverbs 4:25-27
where the Bible teaches, "Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before
you. 26 Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. 27 Do
not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil." Businesses that are built on a solid
foundation are built to last generations. Companies that lack a solid foundation are built on
slippery ground that can crumble at any time.
Our destiny unfolds in the future but it is shaped by the decisions that we make today.
Principle #9 - Know the Order of Things and Work the Order.
Strive for clarity. Seek first the principles of God and His kingdom. Know your priorities.
Practice the art of first fruits in all aspects of your life and leadership.
Order is important. When a leader understands the order of things, things become easier
to understand. In Matthew 6:33 Jesus gave his followers a powerful principle to follow. Jesus
said, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you
as well." The first three words of this verse are very instructive. Those words are "but seek
first." A great principle to practice in business is to focus on first things. When a leader
understands the order of things, things can become easier to understand. A leader must be
clear and push for clarity in all things. Make God and His principles your top priority. Trust His
order and seek first His kingdom.
When a leader understands the order of things, things become easier to understand.
Principle #10 - Improve Your Team To Improve Your Organization
Find the right and best people to bring around you. Make people your top priority. Learn
from everyone. Spend time with a wise team of mentors. Learn faster by learning from
others. Ask questions and listen. Seek counsel. Help people to discover their gifts and talents.
Find passionate and reliable people.
Great leaders learn from others to learn faster. You need a team around you to inspire you
and help you build something bigger than you can build alone. No great leader ever led alone.
Find your passion and add passionate people to your team. A passionate person is worth four
regular people. Passionate people perform better. Ephesians 2:10 which states, "You are God's
workmanship who has been created to do good works that God has prepared in advance." The
power of this principle is both profound and amazing. This verse reminds the Christian business
leader that they have been formed with a purpose. In fact, not only have they been formed
with a purpose, every person on their team has been formed with a purpose. When a company
finds the gifts and passions of their people and discern how to release those passions then
higher productivity is enjoyed by the person and the company. Passionate people are reliable
people. The wisdom of others can be powerful. Every great leader in the Bible had at least one
advisor. However, many business leaders try to do things all on their own. In fact, it is often said
that it is lonely at the top. It is only lonely at the top if you are trying to lead alone. Steward
leaders believe in the power of others.
When your people get better your organization gets better.
Principle #11 - Do Things Today That Will Impact Today and Tomorrow
Invest wisely. Don't forget to invest in yourself. Make the right investments to help the
business to grow. Invest in your people. Invest to grow your commitment and your passion.
A principle that has shaped many businesses and business leaders is Matthew
6:21. Matthew states that "Where your treasure is, there is where your heart will be
also." Investment is another term for treasure. Leaders are called to lead with passion or all of
their heart. Therefore a leader must make investments wisely. Leaders in businesses are called
upon to make many investments. A leader must make use of the resources of the company to
make the right investments in the business, people, and infrastructure. When businesses are
invested in wisely, the business will grow. Good investments set the direction and the path of a
business to ensure its growth and development. When a business is neglected, it is doomed to
shrink and die.
When businesses are invested in wisely, the business will grow.
Principle #12 - Work To Well Done
Excellent work is worthy work. Do everything for a bigger purpose and a nobler cause.
Innovate. Always improve and strive to make products and service better. Always Upgrade
and Improve. Think long term. Think eternally. Show Your Value Through Products that are of
High Quality.
Building a business on Biblical principles requires a change of perspective. One essential
attitude that is essential for Christian leaders is to practice excellence at all times and in all
situations. The apostle Paul wrote these critical words in Colossians 3:23,24. He said "Whatever
you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since
you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ
you are serving." Paul was reminding Christian leaders of the higher call that is their lives.
Christians are not called to do work that is average, but rather Christians are called to do all of
their work with excellence in a way that honors God. When you work towards excellence in
everything you are on your way to hearing the "well done" from your employees, your
customers, and your God.
