Early in my business career, while working for a certain bank president, many times I needed specific direction for handling critical issues at the bank. My boss used these opportunities to train me in the way he processed business decisions, even showing me how the Bible aided him in making wise choices.

On many occasions, he would make reference to a verse or principle from Scripture and then help me in discovering how to apply it to my situation. He was not trying to proselytize me, or impose his spiritual beliefs on me. The bank executive was simply demonstrating both in action and through his words, how the principles and truths of the Bible served as a foundation for how he approached his job and the responsibilities he had for his employees, customers and shareholders.

I was skeptical at first, wondering how an old “religious” book could relate to the workplace, but as I watched these decisions play out, I began to see the wisdom in using the Bible as a guidebook for business. It was amazing to discover how relevant and applicable it is for the contemporary business and professional world, despite having been written thousands of years ago.

We all have times when circumstances at work seem dark and uncertain. A verse in the Scriptures speaks directly to this, and I have taken it to heart for many years. Psalm 119:105 teaches, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” I cannot tell you how many times I have turned to the Bible and its teachings to illuminate the way for making difficult decisions when confronting various challenges.

Whether you are the leader of a team and desire to lead it wisely, or just getting started in your career and trying to find your way, I would strongly recommend using God’s Word as a primary resource for planning and decision-making. Here are some other things we need to understand about the Bible:

It teaches the right things to do. We face many temptations to compromise and take shortcuts in the desire to advance our business interests. If we learn the principles of the Bible, even committing them to memory, we can avoid potential pitfalls. “How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word…. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:9,11).

It remains a viable tool for how to conduct ourselves in the workplace regardless of the changing environment.Many books on business practices that were useful centuries or even decades ago are hopelessly out of date, but a unique quality of the Bible is its validity has never faded, since it deals with eternal truths and the unchanging nature of mankind.“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

 
2.    Do you agree with the statement that the Bible is relevant and applicable to the 21^st century business and professional world? Explain your answer. 

3.    If you can, give an example of how you have used or experienced a biblical truth or principle for resolving a workplace problem or issue, or arriving at a key decision.

4.   If you found yourself in a dark, unfamiliar room, having a flashlight readily available would be very helpful. What is your view of the Bible’s declaration that it is a “lamp for my feet, a light for my path”?

NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more about this subject, consider the following passages: