Eternal Business

Kingdom Culture Principles (As Listed on the Field Guide Card)

1. God’s Ownership: Recognizing that God is the owner of everything, including the business, and that we are stewards of his resources.
   • “The earth is the LORD’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein” (Psalm 24:1).
2. Eternal Perspective: Aligning business practices with eternal values and the understanding that business activities have spiritual consequences.
   • “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. ****For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19–21).
3. Stewardship: Managing resources responsibly and with integrity, making decisions that reflect God’s stewardship principles.
   • “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Peter 4:10).
4. Purpose and Calling: Embracing the idea that work is a calling from God and that conducting business is a ministry that serves God’s purposes.
   • “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).
5. Kingdom Impact: Aiming to have a positive impact on society by contributing to the common good and advancing God’s Kingdom through our business practices.
   • “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
6. People Focus: Valuing employees, customers, and partners as individuals created in God’s image and investing in their personal and spiritual development.
   • “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. ****Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3–4).
7. Excellence: Pursuing excellence in all aspects of the business as a reflection of God’s character and a testimony to his work in the world.
   • “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, ****knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23–24).
8. Integrity and Transparency: Upholding honesty, fairness, and ethical practices in all dealings, reflecting Christlike character in the marketplace.
   • “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them” (Proverbs 11:3).
9. Generosity: Demonstrating a spirit of generosity through the giving of our time, talent, and treasure and encouraging a culture of giving within the business.
   • “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. ****Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:6–7).
10. Community and Relationship Building: Fostering a community of mutual support, accountability, and meaningful relationships within the business and with external stakeholders.

• “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, ****not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:24–25).

11. Discipleship and Evangelism: Using the business platform for discipleship, sharing the gospel, and living out our faith in a way that draws others to Christ.

• “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ****teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19–20).

12. Work-Life Integration: Balancing our professional and personal life in a way that honors God and our families and recognizing the importance of Sabbath rest.

• “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. ****Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, ****but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates” (Exodus 20:8–10).

13. Culture of Prayer: Embedding prayer in the business culture, seeking God’s guidance in decision-making, and acknowledging dependence on him.

• “Rejoice always, ****pray without ceasing, ****give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18).

14. Innovation and Adaptation: Being open to change and innovation as a means of stewarding God’s creation effectively and responding to the evolving needs of the world.

• “The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps” (Proverbs 16:9).

15. Local-Global Perspective: Appreciating the context of business and the call to make a difference both locally and globally for God’s glory.

• “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8).