Principles well-run businesses aim to live by include: honesty, integrity, reliability, loyalty, fairness, concern, and respect for others, and law-abiding. Of course, even the best ones sometimes fail but they keep aiming for excellence. These values and ethical standards are taught in the Bible. They are derived from the nature and character of God. Just as our physical traits reflect likenesses in our parents, so our spiritual and moral values should likewise come from God who created us. Here is what we read in the Bible Leviticus Chapter 19—written over 3,000 years ago: Do not steal. Do not deceive or cheat one another. “Do not bring shame on the name of your God by using it to swear falsely. I am the Lord. Do not defraud or rob your neighbor. Do not twist justice in legal matters by favoring the poor or being partial to the rich and powerful. Always judge people fairly. Do not spread slanderous gossip among your people. Do not stand idly by when your neighbor’s life is threatened. Love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.” Such behavioral standards coming from God can never become outdated.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
