A Christian and His Business Dealings

Prov. 22:1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.

What do you think of when you hear the name: Capone, Madonna, Michael Jackson, John Wayne Gacy, Kennedy, etc.?

What is your name like in the workplace.... office.... bank.... among friends..... among family.... in our community..... with our creditors?

In this area of business dealings, how do we hurt our good name?

1. By a lack of wisdom when it comes to taking on financial obligations.

• Prov. 11:3 The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.
• In other words, we should make decisions based on principle and not expediency.
• Be honest with yourself. "What is my actual income? Can I really afford this?"
• Prov. 27:23 Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.
• In other words, know exactly what you are worth. Know your income. Know your outgo (your financial obligations). Compare the two. Know where you stand finacially. Only then can you know if something is affordable to you.
• We should live within our means. We should not stretch ourselves so tightly that we cause undo stress on ourselves and our relationships.
• Even when we can afford something we should get sound advice and know that it is a good value.

2. By not meeting our present financial obigations.

• Rom. 12:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
• Pay your bills.
• Don't hide from the bill collector. Make arrangements to pay back what you owe.

3. A poor testimony concerning our work.

• By not standing behind our work.
• By not fulfilling a contract.
• By not arriving on time or excessive absences.
• By not working consistently when unsupervised.

4. By not caring for others' property.

• We borrow things and then don't return them or don't take care of them.
• It is a good rule of thumb not to loan something you cannot afford to give.