The 7 Gifts of Business

"A man's gift makes room for him And brings him before great men." ~ Proverbs 18:16

I am always on the hunt for new insights and revelation that God gives in relation to business and entrepreneurship. A few years ago Laurie Beth Jones wrote a powerful book entitled, Jesus, Entrepreneur: Using Ancient Wisdom and Life Your Dreams. But it wasn't until recently that I had the opportunity to read through this book and I ran across some powerful nuggets. 

One of things that she writes about is the importance of Christians to share their gifts and talents in business, because their spiritual values bring something special and unique to the marketplace.

She also discusses the seven gifts that business brings to the world, including:

GIFT ONE: Dignity
The ability to create jobs that give people a sense of dignity and purpose, as well as a reason to get up in the morning, is one of the most important offerings of business.

GIFT TWO: Acknowledgment
Businesses ideally create an atmosphere where the gifts and talents of the people within them are recognized and rewarded. This recognition encourages people to grow.

GIFT THREE: Prosperity
Business helps create abundance for entire communities, bringing new levels of activity and prosperity to entire groups of people. If you’ve ever driven through a ghost town, you will recognize that where there is no commerce, entire communities dry up and die.

GIFT FOUR: Integrity
Businesses can survive only if they create value and deliver goods and services as promised, on time.

GIFT FIVE: Service
Businesses must constantly evaluate how they treat their customers. Successful businesses have a culture of service and respect that can elevate the self-esteem of everyone they encounter.

GIFT SIX: Community
Businesses create a community where people interact, and get to know and care for one another. In many instances, the workplace has become the village.

GIFT SEVEN: Challenge
Businesses constantly challenge people to stretch emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually, learning as they grow.

Christians in business should all be interested in bringing God's presence into the marketplace through your daily transactions and conversation. He wants to use you right where you spend most of your time everyday to demonstrate His love and grace to the people in your circle of influence. Don't miss the awesome opportunity to impact lives through the work that you do. You and your business are a gift to the world!

Learn more about Laurie Beth Jones and Jesus, Entrepreneur at www.lauriebethjones.com

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